Shingles Vaccination in Gympie - Protect Yourself from Shingles with Shingrix available at Gympie Day and Evening Clinic, QLD
Shingles is a painful and often debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body. It can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox, and the risk increases significantly with age. At Gympie Day and Evening Clinic, we offer the Shingrix shingles vaccine for eligible patients as part of our commitment to preventive health care for the Gympie community.
Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that replaced Zostavax on the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) from November 2023. It is free for eligible adults under the NIP, including all adults aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and people aged 18 and over with certain immunocompromising conditions. For those not eligible for the free NIP vaccine, Shingrix is available to purchase privately at our clinic. Please call 07 2140 4888 to confirm your eligibility and current fees before booking.
Why Get Your Shingles Vaccine at Gympie Day and Evening Clinic?
- Free for Eligible Patients Under the NIP: Shingrix is free under the National Immunisation Program for adults aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and adults aged 18 and over with eligible immunocompromising conditions. Check your eligibility by calling 07 2140 4888.
- Both Doses at One Convenient Clinic: Shingrix is a two-dose course. Both doses are available at our Gympie clinic, making it easy to complete your full vaccination course with a GP you already know and trust. Your GP will schedule your second dose at the appropriate interval.
- Safe for Immunocompromised Patients: Unlike the older Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix is not a live vaccine. This makes it safe for immunocompromised individuals, including those on immunosuppressive medications, chemotherapy, or living with certain chronic conditions. Your GP will confirm suitability during your consultation.
- GP-Led Assessment and Advice: Before receiving your Shingrix vaccine, your GP will review your vaccination history, current medications, and health status to confirm eligibility, explain the two-dose schedule, and answer any questions you may have about the vaccine.
- Also Available Privately: If you are not eligible for the free NIP-funded vaccine, Shingrix is available to purchase privately at our clinic. Please call 07 2140 4888 before your appointment for the current private fee schedule.
- Convenient Evening and Weekend Appointments: Open Monday to Friday until 9:00 pm and on weekends, allowing you to book your shingles vaccination consultation at a time that suits your schedule.
What Is Shingles and Why Does It Matter?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, typically when the immune system is weakened by age, stress, or illness.
- Painful, blistering rash typically appearing in a stripe or band on one side of the body or face
- Burning, shooting, or stabbing pain that can be severe
- Sensitivity to touch, itching, or tingling in the affected area
- Headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light in some cases
- Postherpetic neuralgia – persistent nerve pain that can last months or years after the rash resolves – affects up to 1 in 5 people with shingles
Who Is Eligible for a Free Shingrix Vaccine Under the NIP?
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over
- Adults aged 18 years and over with eligible immunocompromising conditions or immunosuppressive treatments – speak to your GP to confirm eligibility
- Note: if you previously received a free Zostavax vaccine under the NIP, you must wait at least 5 years before receiving NIP-funded Shingrix. If you purchased Zostavax privately, you may still be eligible for free Shingrix if you meet the above criteria – speak to your GP.
The Shingrix Two-Dose Schedule
Shingrix is given as a two-dose course for complete protection. It is important to receive both doses for the best possible outcome.
For immunocompetent adults: the second dose is recommended 2 to 6 months after the first dose.
For immunocompromised adults: the second dose is recommended 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
Your GP will advise you on the correct interval for your individual circumstances and help you schedule your second appointment at the right time. Please do not leave a gap longer than recommended between doses.
Book Your Shingles Vaccination
Shingles can be a serious and painful condition – but it is one that vaccination can help protect against. If you are aged 65 or over, or belong to another eligible group, your Shingrix vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program. Our team at Gympie Day and Evening Clinic is here to make the process simple – both doses, at one local clinic, with a GP you trust. Book your first dose today. Please call 07 2140 4888 to confirm your eligibility before booking.
