Since November 2016, a free shingles vaccine program has been funded under the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) for 70 year olds, with a time-limited catch-up program for people 71 to 79 years old until October 2021.
At the commencement of the program, interest in the vaccine was unprecedented. Early shortages have been addressed and there is now ample stock available to meet ongoing demand under the program.
Zostavax® is available nationally and is readily accessible to immunisation providers.
To assist in promoting the program, and ensuring people 70 to 79 years old are protected against shingles, it is now timely that providers:
- Follow up with patients, or other eligible people aged 70 to 79, who would benefit from the vaccine and may have missed out.
- Promote the vaccine to eligible people by displaying program posters and brochures in your clinic or health care facility.
- Report vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Zostavax® supplies can be ordered through the same process currently used to order vaccines for the NIP through your state or territory Health Department.
For further information, clinical advice and promotional materials for the National Shingles Vaccination Program are available for download online at the Department of Health’s immunisation website
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Department of Health. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
