Do I need a shingles vaccination?

Most people think of chickenpox as an illness associated with childhood, but the virus that causes it stays in your body long after symptoms disappear. For some people, that virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.

Shingles can be painful and, in some cases, lead to long-term complications. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk and is recommended for older Australians and some people at higher risk.

Key Points

• Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
• The virus can reactivate later in life, even decades after having chickenpox.
• Shingles can cause a painful rash and sometimes lead to long-term nerve pain.
• Vaccination is recommended for older Australians and some people at higher risk.
• Phoenix Health offers Extras Covers that provide benefits for shingles vaccinations.

What is shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the body’s nerve cells. For reasons that aren’t always fully understood, it can reactivate years later and cause shingles. This means you can only develop shingles if you’ve previously been infected with the chickenpox virus, although many adults don’t remember having chickenpox as children.

Shingles usually appears as a painful rash or blistering on one side of the body or face. Symptoms can include burning, tingling, itching and nerve pain, which may begin before the rash develops.

While many people recover within a few weeks, some experience ongoing nerve pain that can last for months or even years.

Why does the shingles vaccine matter?

As we age, our immune system naturally becomes less effective at keeping viruses at bay, which means the risk of developing shingles increases.

Vaccination helps our immune systems recognise and respond to the virus more effectively, reducing the likelihood of developing shingles and lowering the risk of serious complications.

One of the most common complications is post-herpetic neuralgia, which is a type of persistent nerve pain that can continue long after the rash has healed.

Who should get a shingles vaccine?

Shingles vaccination is primarily recommended for older Australians, as the risk of developing shingles and experiencing complications increases with age. Even if you’ve had shingles before, getting a vaccine may still be recommended to reduce the risk of future episodes. For more information, see the Australian Government guidance.

Vaccination may be particularly important for:

• Adults aged 65 years and over
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with certain medical conditions that affect immunity

Is the shingles vaccine free?

A two-dose course of the shingles vaccine, Shingrix®, is free for the following people

• All Australians 65 and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older.
• People aged 18 and over who have severely weakened immune systems or underlying conditions that place them at high risk

Check out the information on about the Australian Government National Immunisation Program for eligible age groups and people who are immunocompromised.

When should you get vaccinated?

The timing of a shingles vaccine is usually based on factors such as your age, overall health and risk of developing complications from shingles.

Unlike some vaccinations, shingles vaccination isn’t linked to a particular season and doesn’t need to be repeated annually.

If you’re considering a vaccination, speak with your GP or healthcare provider about whether it’s recommended for you and when you should receive it.

Can you still get shingles after being vaccinated?

Yes. No vaccine provides complete protection, and it’s still possible to develop shingles after vaccination.

However, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of shingles and can make the illness less severe if it does occur. It also helps reduce the likelihood of developing long-term complications such as ongoing nerve pain.

Does Phoenix Health cover shingles vaccinations?

Yes. If you’re not eligible for a free shingles vaccine through the National Immunisation Program, benefits are available with selected Phoenix Health Extras Covers for non-PBS pharmaceuticals, including the Shingrix® vaccine.

If you’re planning to have a vaccination at a pharmacy or through another healthcare provider, it’s worth checking with us to see whether you’re eligible for a benefit.