SHINGRIX vaccine supply will be rolled out to medical practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies across Australia from 01 Nov, informed the Department of Health and Ageing.
The announcement comes amid media reports nationwide about the scarcity of the vaccine since Apr, with several clinicians saying they were frustrated about having to "ration" doses to their patients.
The Health Department has also released a resources kit designed to support health professionals having conversations with patients about the Shingrix vaccine, eligibility and vaccine supply.
Resources include help to promote the program in practices or clinics; clinical advice on the program; a podcast for health professionals; as well as a series of videos featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people discussing vaccination.
There are also Q&A examples to help pharmacists and doctors have discussions with their patients regarding vaccine supply.
The shingles vaccine Shingrix replaced Zostavax on the National Immunisation Program on 01 Nov last year (PD 10 Oct 2023).
A two-dose course of Shingrix is available for free for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over; people aged 65 and older; and immunocompromised patients aged 18 and above with certain medical conditions.
To learn more, CLICK HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 23 Jul 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 23 Jul 24
