Shingles vaccine
- Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by shingles (herpes zoster).
- The risk of getting shingles and neurological complications increases with age.
- Two doses of the Shingrix® zoster vaccine is free for eligible people. It is important to receive both doses for the best protection.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering rash. It is a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Most adults are at risk of developing shingles, as more than 95 per cent of Australians over the age of 30 have previously had chickenpox (caused by the varicella-zoster virus). It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. The risk of shingles and related neurological complications increases with age.
People recommended to have the vaccine
If you are over 50, talk to your doctor about whether you need the shingles vaccine. It is recommended for everyone over 50, and the vaccine is free for those people most at risk of complications. See ‘The vaccine is free for some people’ for eligibility details.
People not recommended to have the vaccine
If you’ve had shingles in the past 12 months, you should wait before getting the vaccine. It is recommended to delay vaccination until 12 months after your shingles episode. Speak with your doctor or immunisation provider for advice.
The vaccine should not be given to people who have had:
Benefits and risks
Benefits
Shingles is an infection affecting a nerve area that can cause significant pain and, in some cases, serious complications.
Vaccination helps protect against shingles and reduces the risk of complications, which are more common in people aged over 50.
Risks
Any medicine, including vaccines, can have potentially serious side effects, such as severe allergic reaction. However, the risk of this is extremely small. For possible side effects, see below.
The vaccine is free for some people
The Shingrix® vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (external site) for eligible people. A 2-dose course of Shingrix® is available for:
- Aboriginal people aged 50 and over
- people aged 65 years and over
- immunocompromised people aged 18 years or over with certain medical risk conditions.
While the Shingrix® vaccine is free, your immunisation provider may charge a consultation fee for the visit.
Check with your immunisation provider for advice and to confirm your eligibility.
If you’ve previously had Zostavax vaccine
You can receive Shingrix® even if you have previously had Zostavax®, but certain conditions apply:
- people who received a free Zostavax® vaccine are not eligible for a free Shingrix® vaccine until at least 5 years after their Zostavax® dose.
- people who received the Zostavax® vaccine privately may still be eligible to receive Shingrix® for free under the program, if they meet the eligibility criteria. In these cases, a minimum interval of 12 months is recommended between the Zostavax® dose and starting Shingrix®. A full 2-dose course of Shingrix® will still need to be completed is required, regardless of previous Zostavax ® vaccination.
If you’ve already had shingles
Vaccination is still recommended for people who have previously had shingles. However, you should wait at least 12 months after an episode of shingles before receiving the vaccine. It’s important to discuss the timing with your doctor or immunisation provider.
As the risk of further infection is higher in immunocompromised people (people with weakened immune systems), Shingrix® can be given from 3 months after illness.
Vaccine safety and effectiveness
All vaccines available in Australia pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (external site). Vaccine safety continues to be monitored through AusVaxSafety, a national program that tracks reactions to vaccines each year. Visit AusVaxSafety for more information (external site).
Shingrix® has been shown to be safe and highly effective at preventing shingles and its serious complications.
As Shingrix® does not contain any live virus, it can be safely given to people aged 18 years and older who are immunocompromised. Learn more about vaccine safety.
Possible side effects
Common side effects
Common side effects of Shingrix® are usually mild, and occur shortly after vaccination, last 1-2 days, and resolve on their own without requiring special treatment. These can include
- pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given
- tiredness
- muscle aches
- headaches
- fever
- gastrointestinal symptoms.
Some people may experience moderate side effects, e.g. those with a very weakened immune system. Talk to your immunisation provider for advice.
For further advice about shingles vaccination:
Serious side effects
Vaccines, like all medicine, can cause side effects. Serious reactions, such as a severe allergic reaction, are extremely rare and usually happen within minutes to a few hours after vaccination. Immunisation providers are trained to recognise and manage allergic reactions.
You can learn more about possible side effects of vaccination and what to do if they occur.
When to seek help
Serious reactions, like allergic reactions, are extremely rare. If you experience any unexpected reactions, or side effects seek medical advice.
If you believe your reaction is severe or life-threatening you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to your closest emergency department.
If you or someone in your care experiences a reaction that concerns you, seek medical advice:
- tell your immunisation provider if you’re still at the clinic
- see your doctor
- Visit 1800MEDICARE on 1800 022 222
- visit your hospital emergency department
- call an ambulance.
Concerns about side effects
Your immunisation provider is required to report all suspected significant adverse reactions, however you can also make a report.
Report any reaction that causes concern, whether minor or serious, to the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site), WA’s central reporting service for significant adverse events (reactions) following immunisation.
Report it:
WAVSS may contact you for further information.
For more information, visit reporting side effects after immunisation.
Where to get immunised
The shingles vaccine is available from a range of immunisation providers including:
- GPs (general practice)
- pharmacies
- community health clinics
- Aboriginal Medical Services.
If you are not eligible to receive a free Shingrix® vaccine, speak with your doctor about your options and whether you can obtain it privately. You may need a prescription.
Some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee for administering the vaccine. It’s a good idea to check any potential costs when making your appointment with your chosen immunisation provider.
Where to get help
For more information on the national shingles program, visit the Australian Department of Health website (external site).
Last reviewed: 13-07-2026
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.