Starting November 1, a new and highly effective shingles vaccine will be available free of charge for older Australians and those who are immunocompromised. 

A new initiative as part of the National Immunisation Program aims to provide crucial protection against shingles, also known as herpes zoster.

The new vaccine surpasses the efficacy of the current shingles vaccine included in the National Immunisation Program.

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, manifests as a painful, blistering rash typically on one side of the body or face. 

While the virus usually lasts for 10 to 15 days, one in five sufferers may endure long-term nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), persisting for months or even years after the rash disappears.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in three people will encounter shingles during their lifetime, with the risk surging with age, peaking in those aged 60 and above.

Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, has affirmed the federal government's commitment to allocate $826.8 million for offering the Shingrix vaccine through the National Immunisation Program. 

He noted a growing trend of older Australians seeking hospital care due to shingles-related complications, emphasising the vaccine's role in curbing this “public health menace”.

Replacing the existing Zostavax vaccine in the program, Shingrix was chosen based on advice from independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. 

Butler says Shingrix has shown approximately 90 per cent effectiveness among older Australians compared to the existing vaccine's 40 per cent, with longer-lasting protection.