Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. A single dose of shingles vaccine is recommended and funded for adults at 70 years of age.
The Australian Government Department of Health has extended the shingles vaccination catch-up program available under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 71 to 79 years for a further two years to 31 October 2023.
Certain people may be unable to have the vaccine, particularly those who have a very weakened immune system. Please speak with your GP for advice.
More information is available: