Up to 15,000 immunocompromised Kiwis are set to benefit over the next two years from widened access to a publicly funded vaccine, which can help protect patients from shingles, a disease that can cause a blistering rash, intense burning, and shock-like pain.

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, is more common and severe in people with weakened immunity and the elderly.

Almost all adults over 50 have this virus dormant in their bodies from an initial chickenpox infection.

Around a third will develop shingles when the virus reactivates.

Research indicates that immunocompromised patients have up to seven times higher risk of developing shingles compared to those with normal immunity.

These patients are also more prone to complications and severe diseases.

The most common long-term complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain caused by damaged nerve fibres during a shingles outbreak.

From 1 July 2024, publicly funded access to a shingles vaccine will expand to include immunocompromised people aged 18 and older.

This includes those undergoing organ transplants, haematopoietic stem cell transplants, or cellular therapy; patients with haematological malignancies, poorly controlled HIV, or specific autoimmune conditions; and those with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, including dialysis patients.

Dr Andrew McNally.

Dr Andrew McNally, Medical Advisor at Kidney Health NZ, emphasised the increased risk of shingles for those with chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, or organ transplants.

“These patients have conditions that weaken their immune systems or are on long-term medications which can dampen their immune responses, so shingles has a greater risk of developing,” he said.

Brett Marett, Medical Director at GSK, noted, “This decision will provide much-needed protection against shingles for thousands of immunocompromised New Zealanders. We are pleased to partner with Pharmac to expand access to this vital vaccine, helping to prevent the severe and painful complications associated with shingles in those most at risk.”