The Federal Government has back-pedalled on it's plan to scrap the free shingles vaccine for those aged 71-79.
People aged 70 can receive a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program with a five-year catch-up program since 2016 allowing people aged 71 to 79, who missed out at age 70, to also have the vaccine free. That catch-up period was due to expire on October 31, 2021.
Now the government has announced a two year extension to October 2023.
Shingles is a serious, painful condition caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus which most older Australians would have had as a child. Someone with shingles experiences a rash, often with pain which can develop into long-lasting, difficult to treat nerve pain and result in other serious complications. It is particularly debilitating for older people with one in three adults at risk of developing the virus in their lifetime.
"Since November 2016, our Government has invested over $300 million to ensure older Australians can continue to access this life changing vaccine," said Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt.
"To date, more than 1.2 million Australians aged 70-79 have received a free shingles vaccine as part of this program and we want to provide assurance that the vaccine will continue to be free for another two years.
"The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have meant that many Australians have not been able to access a Zostavax vaccine, and this extension will ensure they need not miss out," he said.
Read more: Shingles serious risk for senior Australians