Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles.

A 2-dose course of Shingrix® is available for free for:

  • people aged 65 years and over
  • First Nations people aged 50 years and over
  • immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with the following medical conditions:
    • haematopoietic stem cell transplant
    • solid organ transplant
    • haematological malignancy
    • advanced or untreated HIV.

Possible side effects of Shingrix® vaccination

Most reactions are mild and last no more than a couple of days and your patients will recover without any problems. Common side effects that may present 1 to 3 days after Shingrix® vaccination include:

  • pain, redness and swelling at the injection site (up to 82% of recipients)
  • tiredness and muscle aches (up to 46% of recipients)
  • headaches (up to 39% of recipients) 
  • fever (up to 22% of recipients)
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (up to 18% of recipients)

Immunisation providers should advise their patients of expected reactions before vaccination and the importance of completing the 2-dose schedule. Two doses of Shingrix® are required for an adequate level and duration of protection.

Shingles vaccination resources