The funding for a shingles vaccine is insufficient and could lead to an explosion of the virus among New Zealand’s senior population, warn experts.

“Individuals aged 50+ years are at increased risk of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia and are not covered under the current funding programme,” said Brett Marett, medical director at GSK NZ.

Two doses of the vaccine for shingles, Shingrix, are funded for those aged 65 years, but expanding this eligibility would protect people from an elevated risk. 

 Pharmac has now widened access to the vaccine for specific individuals aged 18 years or older who are immunocompromised and at increased risk of developing shingles, said Marret.

“While it’s important that access to funded Shingrix is available for immunocompromised people, we note that people over 50 years are also at an increased risk of developing shingles.”

“We are continuing to work with Pharmac in this space,” he said.

The number of New Zealanders aged 65 or older is projected to reach 1 million by 2028 and 1.5 million by the 2050s, according to infectious disease specialist Dr Hasan Bhally.

The shingles virus can cause a painful, itchy rash with blisters that wrap linearly around one side of the face, trunk or body.

Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

“Patients can complain of throbbing, burning, or shooting pain, which can last for years and can cause depression and anxiety,” he said.

“Up to 30 per cent of patients are at risk of developing PHN after shingles, with older age contributing to an increasing risk.” 

Bally said complications can extend and become an infection in the brain and around the eye.

New Zealanders above 50 years old who have been exposed to chickenpox during their lifetime should check with their GP to prevent the development of shingles, he said. 

“The characteristic and pattern of shingles rash is unique. This makes clinical diagnosis relatively easier, as many doctors are familiar with this infection. Early diagnosis also allows prompt intervention with anti-viral medicines.”