Health Minister reassures against repeat supply shortages as access to GSK’s shingles vaccine expands

Pharma News: From 1 September 2024, immunocompromised Australians will be eligible for GSK’s Shingrix vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), as the government expands access to those aged 18 to 64.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said “This will add about 215,000 Australians to the program, expanding the most comprehensive shingles vaccine program in the world. This cohort is about twice as likely as the general population to contract shingles.”

To address concerns over supply, Minister Butler reassured the public, stating, “We have about 500,000 doses right now in Australia, either in warehouses or in vaccine fridges, in general practices, or in pharmacies.

“I’m very confident that we’re covered right now but given the popularity of this program, we’ve been watching very closely to make sure that we don’t get caught again with a shortage.”

Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, welcomed the NIP’s expansion, recognising the benefits for Australians living with auto-immune diseases such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.

“Australians living with auto-immune diseases such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative colitis, need as much support as possible to avoid developing conditions that can further impact their day-to-day life. This is especially important for those who have to take certain immunosuppressants, as they are at an even greater risk of developing other health conditions such as infections, or cardiovascular disease depending on their treatment.”

In November 2023, single-dose Zostavax was replaced by 2-dose Shingrix on the NIP vaccination schedule for shingles vaccination.  

Melbourne resident Jeanette Pritchard, who has been managing her rheumatoid arthritis since 2019, shared her personal experience with shingles.

“I was really concerned when I had shingles that my rheumatoid arthritis pain would return because I had to pause my regular treatment program to enable my immune system to fight the shingles virus,” Pritchard said.

“Shingles was extremely painful and made it difficult to sleep, sit or even lie down. I really didn’t want to be living with the pain and discomfort of shingles as well as the fatigue, brain fog and potentially joint pain if I had a flare. It was a very anxious time.”

Professor Paul van Buynder, public health physician and Professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University in Queensland, encouraged individuals with immunocompromised conditions to consult with their “doctor or specialist for further information about their eligibility for the NIP funded shingles vaccine, and whether it is appropriate for them.”

Dr Alan Paul, Executive Country Medical Director at GSK Australia, said “Vaccination is recognised as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that delivers benefits in the immediate term and into the future.”

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