Shingrix to replace Zostavax on National Immunisation Program
From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® will replace Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
A 2-dose course of Shingrix® will be available free for:
- people aged 65 years and over
- First Nations people aged 50 years and over, and
- immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with certain medical conditions:
- haemopoietic stem cell transplant
- solid organ transplant
- haematological malignancy
- advanced or untreated HIV.
Unlike Zostavax®, Shingrix® does not contain any live virus so it can be given to people aged 18 years and over who are immunocompromised.
Zostavax® is available until 31 October 2023
Zostavax® continues to be available on the NIP for immunocompetent people aged 70 years, with a catch-up program from 71–79 years, until 31 October 2023.
The program changes follow recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other clinical experts.
We will provide further information over the coming weeks to support the introduction of Shingrix® to the NIP.
For more information about this program change, please see the news item NIP changes to shingles vaccination from 1 November 2023 and shingles program advice.
Program implementation
Vaccination providers will be able to order supplies of Shingrix® through the usual NIP vaccine ordering channels. Respective state or territory health departments will inform providers when they can start ordering Shingrix®. Providers can begin administering the vaccine to eligible people from 1 November 2023.
Further information to support the introduction of Shingrix® to the NIP will be made available in the coming weeks.