Shingles (Herpes-zoster) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster (chickenpox) virus. The shingles rash occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in the nerve tissue, causing inflammation of the nerves
Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years and can become active again and give you shingles. Shingles can spread through direct contact with an uncovered rash. 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. As a person gets older, the risk of getting shingles increases.
The shingles vaccine is provided free for people aged 70 years under the National Immunisation Program. There is also a five year catch-up program for people aged 71 – 79 years until 31 October 2021. If you are eligible and would like to receive a free shingles vaccine, please call and book an appointment with our Practice Nurses. Please be aware that this vaccine is not safe for people who have a compromised immune system.
If you are not eligible to receive the free vaccine, you are able to purchase the vaccine on prescription – a doctor appointment is required.
For more information on the shingles vaccine:
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-herpes-zoster
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/adult_vaccination.aspx#shingles