Waiting lists for shingles vaccinations in the southern Fleurieu region have reached more than 1000 patients, according to Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

The MP says she was shocked to discover the numbers and she is calling on the federal government to urgently address apparent lack of supply.

Reportedly most Australians aged 50 years and older are carrying the shingles virus due to previous chickenpox infection. 

Up to one third of them may develop shingles. Possible symptoms can include painful rashes, hearing problems, pneumonia, blindness, and long-term nerve damage and pain.

The federal government announced that from 1 November 2023 two doses of the Shingrix shingles vaccine would be made available free of charge to all

Australians over 65 years of age, as well as to other vulnerable groups. 

Despite a televised campaign to encourage vaccination, Ms Sharkie's constituents on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula report difficulty accessing the shingles vaccine.

“With an older average age than the rest of the state, Mayo's Southern Fleurieu residents are at higher risk of developing shingles, and experiencing serious and painful symptoms,” she says.

“One patient tells me their local medical clinic added them to a 700 strong waiting list for the shingles vaccine, in January 2024. Three months later they have been told this has ballooned to over 1,000 patients.

“Medical practices in the region advise that despite this huge demand even large practices are only allowed to apply for 50 doses of the free shingles vaccine per fortnight. 

“Based on the current supply, one clinic says it could take two to three years to administer dose one alone (of a two dose program) to their thousands of existing patients who are eligible.”

Ms Sharkie says she has asked the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, to take urgent steps to ensure eligible members of our community can be vaccinated in a timely manner.

“I am informed that the South Australian government has been distributing all available stock to vaccination providers as soon as it is received.

“If the benefits of shingles vaccination are advertised, and vaccination is encouraged, we need to address supply issues so those who are vulnerable can choose to be protected, without having to wait for months or even years.

“Earlier this year assurances were given that there were sufficient supplies on order. 

“I want to make sure the federal government is working with the state government and the vaccine supplier urgently to ensure those who are eligible can access this life-changing vaccine as swiftly as possible.”