Shingrix uptake strong following NIP inclusion, study finds

Researchers from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) have released a study showing a marked increase in uptake of the Shingrix vaccine in Australia after it replaced Zostavax as the only shingles vaccine on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in November 2023.  

Published in Public Health Research and Practice, the study used Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data to assess how many Shingrix doses were given (i.e. uptake) and how this affected shingles vaccination coverage (percentage of adults fully vaccinated against shingles) among adults aged 65 years and over in the first year of its inclusion on the NIP.

Alongside the inclusion of Shingrix on the NIP, eligibility for free shingles vaccination was expanded to include:

• adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over
• immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with specific conditions.  

In the first year of the Shingrix program (1 November 2023–31 October 2024), over 2.5 million doses of the vaccine were administered, with about 1 in 3 NIP-eligible adults aged 65 years and over receiving at least one dose of the recommended 2-dose vaccine schedule. By comparison, around 97,000 doses were administered in the previous year.  

This rapid uptake led to a substantial increase in overall shingles vaccination coverage, particularly among adults aged 65–69 years and 80 years and over – groups previously ineligible for free shingles vaccination.

Herpes zoster (shingles) is the reactivation of the varicella (chickenpox) virus and is characterised by a painful rash. Older people and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk of shingles and its complications.

Compared with Zostavax, Shingrix vaccine is more effective, gives longer lasting protection and is safe for immunocompromised people. Combined with expanded eligibility for free vaccination, this provides an opportunity to better protect those most at risk.

However, the researchers note that fewer than half of adults aged 65 years and over are adequately protected from shingles, and equity gaps remain, with lower uptake observed in socioeconomically disadvantaged and remote areas.

The findings presented in the paper are important to guide public health strategies to maximise the benefits of the Shingrix program and support policymakers and health professionals to address equity gaps, improve overall shingles vaccination coverage and lower the disease burden in Australia. 

Access the paper.