It affects one in three Australians at some point in their lifetime, but many of us are still largely unaware of the impact shingles can have.
More than just a rash, it’s a painful condition that can have serious complications, especially for older adults.
The good news is that prevention is possible. While a free vaccine, Shingrix, is already available for people aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older and high-risk immunocompromised adults with certain medical conditions, the government has announced they will be expanding the eligibility for the program.
The vaccination will now be free of charge for those over 18 who are immunocompromised due to an underlying health condition or as a side effect of treatment, meaning hundreds of thousands of Australians will now be covered.
Shingrix isn’t a live vaccine, so experts say it’s safer for people with weakened immune systems and provides around 10 years of protection against the condition.
Who is eligible for the free shingles vaccine
In Australia, the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and over. It’s especially encouraged for people aged 70, as they’re most at risk. Shingrix is part of the National Immunisation Program, meaning Australians aged 65 and older can get the vaccine for free, with a catch-up program available for those aged 71 to 79.
If you’re outside that age group and don’t have an underlying medical condition, you can still access the vaccine, but it may come at a cost of up to $560. It’s worth discussing with your GP if it’s right for you, especially if you have other risk factors.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash as a result of the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox.
While most symptoms typically last two to three weeks, shingles can lead to nerve pain that can last for months.
The most obvious sign of shingles is a painful rash, usually appearing on just one side of the body or face. This rash often follows the path of a nerve, so it can show up in a strip or band-like pattern, and it tends to appear on the torso, but it can also develop on the face or around the eyes.
Signs and symptoms of shingles
Before the rash makes an appearance, some people experience early symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other issues. These might include:
- Tingling or burning sensations in a specific part of the body
- Sensitivity to touch around the area where the rash will eventually develop
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a headache or feeling run down
Once the rash arrives, it typically turns into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually scab over. The whole process can last several weeks, but it’s not just the rash that’s a problem – the pain can be excruciating for some people.
Even after the rash heals, some people continue to suffer from long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia. This is one of the most common complications of shingles, particularly in older people.
Who is most at risk of shingles
While anyone who’s had chickenpox can develop shingles, it’s more likely to happen to certain groups of people. The most significant risk factor is age. The older you are, the higher your chances of getting shingles. It’s particularly common in people over 50, and the risk increases even more after age 70.
Your immune system also plays a big role. If your immune system is weakened – whether due to illness, medications, or certain treatments like chemotherapy – you’re more vulnerable to shingles. People living with chronic conditions such as HIV, cancer, or autoimmune diseases are also at higher risk.
And while it might seem surprising, stress can also be a factor. While stress alone won’t cause shingles, it can weaken your immune system, making it easier for the virus to reactivate.
What treatments are available
If you think you might have shingles, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There’s no cure but getting treatment early can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness and may lower the risk of complications down the track.
Antiviral medications are the go-to treatment for shingles. They’re most effective when taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing, so early diagnosis is crucial.
Pain relief is another key element of managing shingles. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, but in more severe cases, stronger pain medications or nerve pain treatments might be needed.
Topical treatments, such as calamine lotion or cool, wet compresses, can also provide some relief from itching and discomfort.
