What is shingles?
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in a person who has previously had varicella (chickenpox).
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles because the virus remains in the nerve cells of the body after an attack of chickenpox.
About one in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles usually affects older people, and the risk of complications increases with age.
Shingles infection causes a painful, blistering rash that is typically on one side of the body or face and is more common in older adults or people wit weakened immune systems.
The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.
Early detection of shingles is important and seeking treatment early minimises the severity and lead to faster recovery. Our authorised BUFS pharmacists can precribe and dispense treatment in one appointment as part of the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot program.
The National Immunisation Program fully funds vaccination for Shingles for Eligible Australians.
Vaccination against Shingles is recommended for:
People over 65
First Nations people aged 50 years and over
Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over.
Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Vaccination against Shingles is recommended for:
People over 65
First Nations people aged 50 years and over
Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over.
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Two doses of Shingrix vaccine are required for protection against shingles, administered between two and six months apart.
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Bendigo UFS Pharmacies provides Shingrix vaccine (a two-dose course, administered 2-6 months apart) free of charge under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to the following groups:
People aged 65 years and over
First Nations people aged 50 years and over
Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with the following medical conditions:
-haematopoietic stem cell transplant
-solid organ transplant
-haematological malignancy
-advanced or untreated HIV. -
If you previously received a free Zostavax shingles vaccine under the NIP, you are not eligible for a free Shingrix vaccine for at least five years. If you purchased the Zostavax vaccine privately, you can receive Shingrix for free under the program if you’re eligible. But you should wait at least 12 months between receiving Zostavax and getting the Shingrix vaccine.
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We recommend visiting the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ as a great information source.
To locate Shingles information at Betterhealth directly visit here -
Shingles infection causes a painful, blistering rash that is typically on one side of the body or face and is more common in older adults or people wit weakened immune systems.
The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.
Early detection of shingles is important and seeking treatment early minimises the severity and lead to faster recovery. Our authorised BUFS pharmacists can precribe and dispense treatment in one appointment as part of the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot program. Click here for more information or make a booking.
Last updated May 2025