Waitara Family Medical Practice is offering free shingles vaccine to people aged 70, with a catch up program available for people aged 71 – 79.

Herpes-zoster (Shingles) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. The shingles rash occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in the nerve tissue, causing inflammation of the nerves. Sometimes pain in the affected region can be severe and prolonged.

1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. As a person gets older, the risk of getting shingles increases.

Routine vaccination of persons aged 70–79 years is expected to obtain the greatest benefits against shingles and its complications.

There is no cost for the vaccine if you are aged 70 – 79, and all visits are bulk billed. For more information and to make a booking, call (02) 8038 1070 or book online via our website.