Question - Health

1. Does the ACT Government have any role in relation to the supply or distribution of the federally funded free shingles vaccination for over 65's; if so, what role.
2. Is the ACT Government aware of a shortage in the ACT of the Shingrix vaccine for (a) over 65's, (b) First Nations people aged 50 years and over or (c) immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over who are at high risk of catching the shingles virus, if so, (i) what is the reason for this shortage and (ii) when will sufficient vaccines be available.

(1) The Essential Vaccines Schedule of the Federation Funding Agreement – Health is an agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the states and territories. The objective of the Agreement is to “support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to protect the Australian public from the spread of vaccine preventable diseases”. The NIP is a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and the states and territories, making free vaccines for several key diseases available to eligible individuals through a range of vaccination providers in accordance with the National Immunisation Schedule. 

The Australian Government is responsible for procuring and supplying all NIP vaccines, including Shingrix®. The ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) receives a monthly supply of Shingrix® based on the ACT’s eligible populations and equitable distribution of available supply between states and territories. ACTHD stores and distributes the vaccines to immunisation providers across Canberra. 

(2) Under the NIP, the shingles vaccine Zostavax® was previously available for individuals aged 70 years, with a catch-up program from 71-79 years. From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® replaced Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the following eligible groups:

(a) people 65 years and over;

(b) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over; and

(c) immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with certain medical conditions.

Demand for Shingrix vaccine has exceeded the initial forecasts and as part of the NIP Shingrix®, the supply will be ongoing so that all eligible people are able to be vaccinated. The Australian Government is working with the vaccine supplier, to source additional vaccine to meet the high demand being experienced across the country. ACTHD continues to work with the Australian Government to manage the supply of Shingrix for Canberrans.