From 01 Nov, the GSK shingles vaccine, Shingrix, will be available on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the prevention of conditions such as herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Shingrix (Recombinant Varicella Zoster Virus glycoprotein E antigen (AS01a adjuvanted vaccine)), will be available for the following groups – individuals 65 years of age and older; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged 50 years and older; and immunocompromised individuals aged 18 years and older with conditions at ‘high risk’ of shingles. These conditions include haematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, haematological malignancy, and advanced or untreated HIV. University of Sydney Professor and infectious diseases expert, Robert Booy said, “access to Shingrix via the NIP creates further opportunities for healthcare professionals to talk about shingles with their high-risk patients”. “The prevention of shingles for these patients, in particular, is critical, as the impact of the disease can be very serious, especially if they develop long-term complications like post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN” (PD 03 Oct). Dr Alan Paul, Country Medical Director at GSK Australia, applauds the Federal Govt’s decision to provide funded access to Shingrix. “Vaccinations help keep people well and can reduce demands on primary care and hospitals, as well as increasing productivity and benefiting the community and economy,” said Paul. “The listing of Shingrix highlights the government’s commitment to prioritising adult vaccination. “This is an important investment in the health of over four million Australians who are at greater risk of shingles.” JG