Shingles Vaccination
Shingles Vaccine (Shingrex) QLD.
Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This condition, often impacting adults over 50, can lead to serious complications if untreated. Vaccination against shingles is available and recommended, offering reliable protection and peace of mind.
Narangba Station Medical Centre provides the Shingrix vaccine for shingles, which has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. As part of the National Immunisation Program, the Shingrix Vaccine is available free for eligible people.
Free Shingrex Vaccine for Eligible Patients
Interested in protecting yourself or a loved one from shingles? Click here to view the eligibility criteria for free Shingrex Vaccinations. To book a consultation at Narangba Station Medical Centre, call us on (07) 3521 4333, click below to book online, or download the AMS Connect app to schedule an appointment.
Opening Hours
We're open 7 days a week with late-night availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, weekend appointments are also available to all patients.
Are you protected against Shingles?
Protect yourself against Shingles with the Shingrex vaccine by calling us on (07) 3521 4333 or click below to book online.
What are Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that arises when the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) reactivates within the body. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissues and can reappear later in life as shingles, often triggered by stress, age, or immune system weakening.
Shingles primarily affects individuals over the age of 50 who have previously had chickenpox. Additional risk factors include weakened immune systems, chronic stress, and certain medical conditions or treatments that compromise immunity. People with diabetes, HIV, or cancer, as well as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, may also face a higher likelihood of developing shingles. If you fall into one of these categories, a shingles vaccination can offer valuable protection and reduce the risk of complications.
Common Shingles Symptoms
Shingles often begins with a tingling or painful sensation on one side of the body, followed by a red rash that typically forms small blisters. Common symptoms include:
- Intense itching or tingling on the skin
- Localised pain or burning sensation
- Headaches or sensitivity to light
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
The pain from shingles can be severe, and in some cases, it can continue for months after the rash has healed, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. That's why it's important to protect yourself against Shingles by getting vaccinated. Especially for individuals at increased risk - including seniors and the immunocompromised.
Shingles Vaccination: Shingrex
Shingrix represents a major advancement in shingles prevention, offering over 90% effectiveness compared to the 51% provided by its predecessor, Zostavax. This improvement underscores the commitment to using cutting-edge vaccine technology in the fight against shingles, a condition known for its painful rash and potential long-term discomfort.
Shingrix is not a live vaccine, making it suitable for a wider range of individuals, including those with certain immune system concerns. For those aged 50 and above, Shingrix strengthens the immune system’s response to the virus, providing a robust line of defence against complications.
Individuals who previously received Zostavax are encouraged to receive Shingrix for enhanced, longer-lasting protection. Clinical trials have shown that Shingrix provides a minimum of four years of protection, with research ongoing to confirm its full duration, and potential booster shots may be recommended to maintain immunity.
How does Shingrix work?
The Shingrix vaccine operates on a sophisticated yet straightforward principle, employing a multi-faceted approach to fortify the body’s defences against shingles:
- Ensured Protection: The vaccine is designed to specifically target the immune system’s memory cells, ensuring they retain the knowledge necessary to combat the virus effectively in the future.
- Long-term Immunity: By introducing a component of the virus to the body, Shingrix facilitates the development of long-term immunity. This method triggers a robust immune response without causing the actual disease.
- Activating Immune Response: Shingrix kickstarts the immune system by prompting it to prepare for combat against chickenpox.
Side Effects
While Shingrix is highly effective, minor side effects may occur post-vaccination. Most reactions are mild and transient, lasting no more than a couple days, with a full recovery expected. Common side effects experienced after receiving the vaccine include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Muscle pain or fatigue
- Headache or mild fever
- Upset stomach
Most side effects are mild and usually subside within one to three days. Should you have concerns about the vaccine’s side effects, we are here to discuss them with you during your consultation.
Shingrex Eligibility
Commencing November 1st 2023, the free Shingrix vaccine is now accessible through the National Immunisation Program for people with a Medicare card, encompassing the following categories:
- People aged 65 years and over
- First Nations people aged 50 years and over
- Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with specific medical conditions, including:
- Solid organ transplant
- Advanced or untreated HIV
- Haematological malignancy
- Haematopoietic stem cell transplant
If you do not meet the eligibility above, book a consultation with our experienced GPs to discuss your concerns and explore whether Shingrex could still be suitable for you.
Fees & Medicare Rebate
The Shingrix Vaccination is free for eligible people. It’s important to note that if you received a free Zostavax vaccine under the NIP, eligibility for a free Shingrix vaccine is deferred for at least 5 years. For those who privately purchased the Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix is available at no cost under the program if eligibility criteria are met, with a recommended 12-month interval between receiving Zostavax and Shingrix.
The Shingrix vaccine can still be purchased by those who are not eligible for the free vaccine under the NIP program.
Please see our Fees page for a detailed overview of our medical fees and charges.
What to Expect?
The Shingrix vaccine is a straightforward, safe procedure. It involves two doses, spaced 2-6 months apart for healthy people and 1-2 months apart for immunocompromised people. Our team at Narangba Station Medical Centre will guide you through the timing and follow-up for optimal results.
Why Choose NSMC?
Conveniently located next to Narangba Train Station, NSMC combines accessibility, affordability, and high-quality medical services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of north Brisbane residents. Our experience medical team, led by Dr. Madhu Lakshmaiah, ensures personalized, patient-centered care with holistic solutions to a variety of health concerns. We're open 7 days a week with after-hours availability and our patients also benefit from the convenience of on-site blood tests, free parking, and proximity to a local pharmacy.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about the Shingrex Vaccine in Queensland? No problem! Here are the most commonly asked questions our GP's receive about vaccinating against Shingles in Brisbane.
Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Unlike chickenpox, shingles is a reactivation of the virus later in life, causing a painful rash and potentially long-term nerve pain.
Shingrix is highly effective, reducing the risk of shingles by more than 90% in those over 50.
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Protection from Shingrix lasts several years. Ongoing research continues to confirm its long-term effectiveness.
Yes, it’s possible to experience shingles more than once, which is why vaccination is recommended even if you’ve had shingles before.
People with severe allergies to the vaccine’s components or those currently suffering from acute illnesses. Our experienced doctors at Narangba Station Medical Centre will discuss this with you before receiving Shingrix.
Yes, Shingrix can be safely administered alongside other vaccines, but speak with our team to find the best timing.
Shingrix is currently the preferred shingles vaccine due to its higher efficacy compared to previous options.
Appointments are generally brief, lasting about 15–20 minutes, including observation time post-injection.
If you miss your second dose, it’s important to reschedule as soon as possible to ensure full protection. Please call our helpful team on (07) 3521 4333 or book online to reschedule.
Contact & Bookings
To make an appointment, please call reception or use our online booking system via the button below. You can also visit our contact page to see further details about our location and directions.
Bookings are available from as early as 7AM on weekdays and Saturday. We are also open Sunday afternoon and late evening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8:30PM.Â
Can't find us? - We are situated across the road from Narangba Train Station next to the Narangba Village shopping complex. Look for signs for Narangba Health Centre and IGA.
Serving patients in Narangba, Burpengary, Dakabin, Deception Bay, Morayfield, North Lakes and North Brisbane surrounds
