From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m
Specialist pain doctors call for free shingles vaccine
Pain specialists urge free shingles vaccine for New Zealanders over 65.
In brief
Pain specialists urge free shingles vaccine for New Zealanders over 65. New Zealand pain specialists demand government make shingles vaccine free for all over 65 to prevent chronic nerve pain. Originally reported by RNZ.
Shingles vaccine cost issue
Specialist pain doctors call for free shingles vaccine for everyone over 65 in New Zealand.
Current vaccine access
Health NZ recommends two-shot vaccine for over 50s but it costs up to $800 if not taken at age 65.
Chronic pain risk
One in three people get shingles, rising to one in two over 85, with up to a third developing chronic nerve pain.
Treatment challenges
Chronic nerve pain is hard to treat with medicines that cause sedation and dizziness, risking falls and loss of independence.
“Once post-herpetic neuralgia develops, it can be extremely difficult to treat”
Prevention benefits
Preventing chronic pain reduces pressure on GPs and pain management services for older New Zealanders.
Australia's approach
Australia funds shingles vaccine for everyone over 65, contrasting New Zealand's current cost barriers.
At a glance
New Zealand pain specialists demand government make shingles vaccine free for all over 65 to prevent chronic nerve pain.
