- No appointment neededWalk in Monday to Friday during store hours, subject to pharmacist availability
- Adults 18 years and overNSW pharmacist immunisers give the Shingrix brand only
- Free for eligible groupsFunded by the NIP for the groups listed below; otherwise a fee applies
What shingles is and why age matters
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, happens when the chickenpox virus wakes up again in someone who had chickenpox earlier in life. It can cause severe pain lasting for months.
The risk and severity of shingles climb as people get older. According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the lifetime risk for people who live to 80 years of age is around 50%, and it is higher again in people who are immunocompromised.
Who can get the shingles vaccine free
A two-dose course of Shingrix is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for these groups:
- people aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over
- adults at increased risk of shingles due to an underlying condition and/or immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatments
Had the older Zostavax vaccine? If it was a free NIP dose, you become eligible for free Shingrix 5 years after that dose. If you paid for Zostavax privately, you can still receive Shingrix free when you meet the criteria above. Either way, allow at least 12 months between the two vaccines.
Shingles vaccine eligibility outside the free program
The Handbook also recommends vaccination for everyone from age 50, for immunocompromised adults, and for anyone 50 or older who shares a home with someone who has a weakened immune system. If you fall into one of these groups but not the NIP list, we can still vaccinate you as a private patient. Call us on (02) 4930 4442 to check the current price.
Because Shingrix contains no live virus, it is considered safe for immunocompromised people. Talk it through with your pharmacist or specialist if you are unsure.
Your shingles vaccine in Abermain, dose by dose
- Tell the staff at the counter you are here for Shingrix. The pharmacist asks about past vaccines, recent shingles, allergies and any treatment affecting your immunity.
- Your first dose is an injection in the upper arm.
- Stay with us for at least 15 minutes, in line with the Handbook's after-vaccination guidance, so any immediate reaction can be managed. Do not drive during this time.
- The dose is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register.
- Come back for your second dose 2 to 6 months later, or 1 to 2 months later if you are immunocompromised.
Bring with you: photo ID, your Medicare card if you have one, and any record of earlier vaccinations.
In the 1 to 3 days afterwards, some people notice a sore, red or swollen arm, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, fever or an upset stomach. These reactions are mostly mild and settle within a couple of days.
Shingles vaccine questions
I have already had shingles. Can I still be vaccinated?
Yes. The Handbook says people who have had a previous episode can receive the vaccine at the recommended age, and suggests that people with normal immunity wait a minimum of 12 months after the episode before vaccination.
Will Shingrix protect me from chickenpox?
No. It is not used to prevent a first chickenpox infection, and it is not a treatment for an active shingles rash or for nerve pain that lingers after shingles. See a GP if you have a painful rash now.
Need a different vaccine as well? Browse the other vaccination services at Abermain Chemist.
Start your Shingrix course
Walk in on a weekday to Abermain Chemist, 193 Cessnock Road. A quick call beforehand lets you confirm a pharmacist immuniser is on hand.