38811 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

38811 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: Is Varicella Zoster Virus (shingles) vaccine only funded by Pharmac for those aged 65 because older people previously had a chance to be vaccinated, and if so, is lack of opportunity for the person to make a new decision in light of changed medical circumstances fair?

Hon David Seymour: I am advised that the shingles vaccine (Zostavax brand) was first funded in 2018 for people aged 65 years old and with a catch-up programme from April 2018 to December 2021 for people from 66 to 80 years of age. After the catch-up programme finished, the ongoing eligibility remained at 65 years (exactly). The Zostavax brand was discontinued and Pharmac funded the Shingrix brand from 1 December 2022 for the same eligible population. As the Member may be aware, from 1 July 2024, Pharmac has widened access to the shingles vaccine to immunocompromised people over the age of 18.