Shingles vaccine: who can get it free and why it matters

Vaccinations ·Published 10 October 2026 ·Reviewed 10 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.

You may be able to get the shingles vaccine free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) if you’re 65 or older, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older, or an adult aged 18 or older at higher risk because of a medical condition or treatment. Shingles becomes more common, and more likely to cause lasting pain, as you get older. That’s why vaccination matters.

Here’s a plain-English explainer on shingles, who may be eligible for the free vaccine, and what to expect. You can also read about all the vaccines we offer on our vaccinations at Pacific Fair page.

What is shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your nerve cells in an inactive state. Shingles happens when it becomes active again, usually many years later. You can only get shingles if you’ve had chickenpox, even if that was a mild case you don’t remember.

It usually starts with burning pain, tingling or itching in one area of skin, sometimes with a headache or tiredness. About 2 to 3 days later, a rash appears, usually as a band on one side of the body. The rash turns into painful, itchy, fluid-filled blisters that crust over and heal. It usually lasts around 10 to 15 days, but can take several weeks to settle.

Why does shingles risk rise with age?

Shingles can happen at any age, but it’s more common in people over 50. It’s also more common in people with a weakened immune system. The Australian Immunisation Handbook notes that the risk of shingles increases with age, and so does the chance of complications. According to healthdirect, about 1 in 3 people will get shingles at some point in their life.

Complications that make it more than “just a rash”

• Long-lasting nerve pain: for around 1 in 10 people, the pain and tingling can last for months or even years. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia, and it’s more common in people over 50.
• Eye problems: shingles near the eye can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Face and ear problems: shingles can cause facial drooping and a condition called Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can affect hearing and balance.
• Skin infection and scarring if the rash becomes infected.

Who can get the shingles vaccine free?

According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, a 2-dose course of the shingles vaccine is free under the NIP for the groups below (as at 2026).

If you’ve had a shingles vaccine before

An older, live shingles vaccine was used in the past. If you had that older vaccine free under the NIP, you’re not eligible for the current free vaccine until 5 years after that dose. If you paid for the older vaccine privately, you may still be eligible for the free vaccine. You should wait at least 12 months after the older vaccine. Ask your pharmacist or GP to check your immunisation history.

If you’ve already had shingles

Most people only get shingles once, but it can come back, and you can still be vaccinated at the recommended age. The Handbook suggests waiting at least 12 months after an episode of shingles before having the vaccine. Your pharmacist or GP can advise on timing.

How many doses do you need?

The current shingles vaccine is a 2-dose course:

• If you have a healthy immune system, the 2 doses are given 2 to 6 months apart.
• If you have a weakened immune system, the doses are given 1 to 2 months apart.

The current vaccine doesn’t contain live virus, which is why it can be given to people with a weakened immune system. At this stage, a booster dose isn’t recommended.

Because it’s 2 doses, plan ahead if you’ve got a cruise, an overseas trip or a long stay with the grandkids coming up. Starting early means you’re more likely to finish the course before you go.

What to expect on the day

1. Walk in or call ahead. Our pharmacists offer walk-in vaccinations. Call ahead to check the vaccine is in stock and ask about any fee.
2. A quick health check. The pharmacist will ask about your health, medicines, allergies, past vaccines and whether you’re unwell on the day. Bring a list of your medicines if you take several.
3. The vaccine. It’s a needle, usually in the upper arm.
4. A short wait. You’ll be asked to stay nearby for at least 15 minutes afterwards, in case of a rare allergic reaction. Don’t drive during this time.
5. Book your second dose. Put a reminder in your phone or diary for the right interval.

If you’d rather talk it through with a doctor, especially if you have a complex medical condition, Help Medical GPs are located inside our store.

Common side effects

Most reactions are mild and settle within a couple of days. Side effects may show up 1 to 3 days after the vaccine and can include:

• pain, redness and swelling where the needle went in
• tiredness, muscle aches, headache and fever
• an upset stomach

Serious reactions are rare. Ask your pharmacist about simple ways to ease any discomfort.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

See your GP as soon as possible if you think you have shingles, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Starting antiviral medicine within 3 days of the rash appearing may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications, so don’t wait.

See a doctor urgently if you have:

• a rash on your face near your eye, or any changes to your vision
• a rash around your ear, earache, hearing loss, dizziness or difficulty moving your face muscles
• a rash that looks infected or pain you can’t manage

Talk to your pharmacist or GP if you have side effects after the vaccine that worry you or don’t settle. Call 000 if you or someone else has trouble breathing or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

If you take lots of medicines and aren’t sure how the vaccine fits in, a medication review can be a good time to ask.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.