September 22nd 2024.
Great news for Australians! The government has announced that more people will now have access to a free vaccine for shingles, a painful and often debilitating condition. This includes individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 who are considered to be at moderate to high risk. This could include those with underlying health conditions or those receiving certain treatments.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children - the varicella zoster virus. It can be a very uncomfortable and potentially serious illness, with some individuals experiencing complications even after the initial infection has gone away. In fact, about one in three people will develop shingles at some point in their life, and almost all adults over the age of 50 carry the inactive virus that can cause it.
However, data has shown that the risk of developing shingles can be up to two times higher in people with weakened immune systems compared to those without these conditions. That's why the government has decided to expand the National Immunisation Program to include the shingles vaccine for these high-risk individuals. This is great news for those who have been struggling with health concerns and are worried about the potential impact of shingles.
According to Professor Paul van Buynder, a public health physician and Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, the expansion of the Shingrix NIP is a welcome development. He emphasizes that shingles can be a serious condition for those who are highly immunocompromised, but the vaccine can help to minimize the effects of this disease and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia. If you think you may be eligible for the vaccine, be sure to speak to your GP.
It's worth noting that earlier this year, there was a shortage of the shingles vaccine. However, patients over the age of 65, immunocompromised adults, and indigenous patients over the age of 50 have been eligible for two free doses on the National Immunisation Program since November 1st of last year. Experts have been advocating for the age limit to be lowered, and it's encouraging to see that the government has taken this into consideration.
So if you're an Australian between the ages of 18 and 64 and you have an underlying health condition or are receiving certain treatments, you may now be eligible to receive a free shingles vaccine. This is an important step in protecting individuals from the potential pain and complications of shingles, and it's a great example of the government's commitment to public health. Don't hesitate to speak to your GP to find out more about this potentially life-saving vaccine.
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