Better Access Australia and AusPIPS Inc have welcomed the expanded access to subsidised Shingrix® for immunocompromised patients via the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from 30 August 2024.
AusPIPS Inc represents primary and secondary immunodeficient (PID SID) patients in Australia, and Better Access Australia works with patients groups to advocate for improved health, disability and social services in Australia.
Shingles is a painful and difficult disease, but the length and severity of the disease in immunocompromised people can often be compounded and exacerbate already complex health conditions.
AusPIP and BAA have been advocating for expanded access to Shingrix® after the 2023-24 federal budget funding decision limited access to only those “immunocompromised patients aged 18 years and over with: haemopoietic stem cell transplant; solid organ transplant; haematological malignancy; and advanced or untreated HIV.” This denied funded access to patients with common and complex immunocompromised need patients like those with PID and SID. It also denied access to patients with immune system vulnerabilities as a result of treatments for common chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and multiple sclerosis without subsidised access.
From 30 August 2024 NIP access to Shingrix® has been expanded to include anyone “18 years and over considered at increased risk of herpes zoster due to an underlying condition and/or immunosuppressive treatments.”1
“The removal of this barrier to access to Shingrix® is an incredibly important step to improving the health of immunocompromised patients in the community,” AusPIPS President Jackie Murphy stated. “Patients with PID and SID have no immune system to fight infection, so vaccination is a first line protection for all of us, keeping us healthy, and saving the healthcare system thousands of dollars a day in
hospital admission costs. AusPIPS thanks health ministers Butler, Thomas and Sanderson who heard our concerns, and worked with the department and GSK to make this possible”. Ms Murphy concluded.
1 Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care