From November 1 thousands of Central Coast residents will have free access to the best protection against shingles through one of the most comprehensive and widely available vaccination programs in the world.
The Federal Government is investing $826.8M to provide almost five million people who are at risk of severe disease from shingles with a free Shingrix® vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
This includes everyone aged 65 and over, First Nations people aged 50 and over and immuno-compromised people aged 18 and over at high risk of herpes zoster infection.
Shingrix® provides about 10 years of protection and usually costs up to $560 – and for more than 36,000 in the Robertson electorate alone that will now be free.
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox and presents as a painful blistering rash on one side of the face or body that lasts 10-15 days.
One in five people with shingles will develop severe nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last months or even years.
In some cases, it may be permanent.
The risk of developing shingles increases with age and people aged 65 and over are at highest risk of complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.
Shingrix® will replace Zostavax® on the NIP from November 1, following advice from the independent medicines experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said free access to the latest shingles vaccine meant people on the Central Coast now had protection and peace of mind.
Health Minister Mark Butler said without vaccination, almost one in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime.
“This investment will ensure nearly five million Australians can get free protection from shingles and the very painful nerve damage that it causes,” he said.
“Shingles can be severe, so it’s really important that eligible people talk to their GP or pharmacist about getting the shingles vaccine.”
Source:
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid