Fertility advice
Shingles Vaccines
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine - Shingrix
Shingles is a painful and potentially serious condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. While it can develop at any age, shingles is more common in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. It can lead to severe nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) and other complications that significantly impact quality of life.
To help protect against shingles, the government funded Shingrix vaccine is now available at Double Bay Doctors.
WHAT IS SHINGLES?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It can be particularly severe in:
-
Adults aged 65 years and older, who are at the highest risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months or even years.
-
First Nations adults aged 50 years and older, who are also at an increased risk of complications.
-
Individuals with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatments, organ transplant recipients, or people with chronic medical conditions.
Shingles spreads through direct contact with fluid from the blisters. Early symptoms may include tingling, burning, or pain in one area of the body, followed by a red rash and blisters. Some people may also experience fever, headache, or fatigue.
Shingles can occur at any time, but the risk increases with age and immune suppression.
Symptoms of Shingles include:
-
Localised pain, tingling, or burning sensation
-
Blistering rash, typically on one side of the body or face
-
Fever and headache
-
Fatigue and general discomfort
SHINGRIX ELIGIBILITY
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant vaccine that provides strong and long-lasting protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
Who is eligible for a government funded Shingrix vaccine?
-
Adults aged 65 years and older are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
-
First Nations adults aged 50 years and older are also eligible for free vaccination under the NIP.
-
Adults aged 18 years and older who are immunocompromised and at increased risk of shingles may also qualify for free vaccination under the NIP.
-
Adults aged 18 years and over who are not eligible for free vaccination can still receive Shingrix as a private vaccine following consultation with their GP. Please note that Double Bay Doctors does not stock private Shingrix vaccines and patients will need to fill their prescription at the pharmacy prior to vaccine administration.
Key information
-
Shingrix is given as a two-dose course, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose.
-
It is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
-
Unlike previous shingles vaccines, Shingrix is suitable for people with weakened immune systems.
-
The vaccine may cause mild side effects such as arm pain, fatigue, or fever, which usually resolve within a few days.
Existing patients
If you are an existing, eligible patient, you can book directly with our nurse to receive the vaccine.
New patients
New patients will need to book a consultation with a GP before the vaccine can be administered.
