Shingles Vaccine Coverage Soars 40% After Shingrix Joins NIP

Shingles vaccination coverage among Australians aged 65 years and over has increased by 40% in the first year since the new Shingrix vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP), according to new Australian research. The 2-dose Shingrix program replaced the Zostavax vaccine in late 2023. Researchers say this was done because Shingrix provides superior, longer-lasting protection against shingles and is safe for use in people who are immunocompromised. Analysis of the national immunisation data shows that in the first year following its inclusion on the NIP, 2,522,020 doses of Shingrix were administered to people aged 65 and over. This translates to a rise in shingles vaccination coverage in this age group from 31.3% prior to the introduction of Shingrix to 44.1% by late 2024. “Compared with Zostavax, Shingrix’s superior effectiveness, longer-lasting immunity, suitability for immunocompromised individuals, and expanded eligibility present an opportunity to better protect high-risk groups from shingles and its morbidity,” conclude the researchers. “Health services and vaccination providers can continue improving protection by promoting Shingrix vaccination among eligible adults — through opportunistic vaccination, co-administration with other vaccines and targeted efforts to support equitable access.”