The Painful Truth: Why Most South Africans Can’t Get the Shingles Vaccine

If you’re over 50 or have a weakened immune system, you may have heard of shingles — a painful, blistering rash caused by the same virus that gave you chickenpox as a child. What you may not know is that while two vaccines exist to protect against shingles, neither is readily available in South Africa.

So why can’t you get vaccinated?

An Effective Vaccine Exists — But It’s Out of Reach

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is far more than just an itchy rash. For some people, it leads to serious complications like nerve damage, vision loss, or even strokes. The older vaccine, Zostavax, offered some protection and was available in South Africa until last year. But in 2024, it was pulled from markets globally after being overshadowed by a newer, more effective vaccine called Shingrix.

Shingrix, developed by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, is over 90% effective — a significant improvement from Zostavax’s 51% protection rate. Unfortunately, while it’s widely used in countries like the U.S., it hasn’t yet been registered for use here.

Red Tape and High Costs Block Access

While Shingrix awaits approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the only legal way to get it is through a Section 21 application — a process usually reserved for unregistered medicines in urgent medical need.

Even if you get approved, the costs are staggering. You’ll need two doses, each costing around R7,800 — a total of R15,600 — and medical aid providers don’t cover it because it’s not officially registered in South Africa.

“It’s out of reach for most,” says Dr Leon Geffen, director of the Samson Institute for Ageing Research. “You need a doctor’s motivation, lots of paperwork, and you’ll likely pay out of pocket.”

Why the Vaccine Is So Expensive in SA

In countries like the U.S., government agencies can negotiate bulk pricing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pays roughly R4,600 for both doses. But in South Africa, private importers like Equity Pharmaceuticals bring the vaccine in case-by-case, adding costs for currency fluctuations, transport, and handling — none of which are regulated.

GlaxoSmithKline has distanced itself from pricing discussions, saying it has no formal partnership with the importers. That leaves patients caught between a regulatory gap and an expensive process.

Who Needs the Vaccine Most?

The CDC recommends Shingrix for everyone over 50, and for younger adults with weakened immune systems — including people with HIV, cancer patients, or those who’ve had organ transplants. Ironically, these are often the people least able to afford or navigate the complex process required to access the vaccine.

Meanwhile, South Africa lacks formal guidelines on shingles vaccination, making it unclear whether the public health sector is doing enough to protect those most at risk.

A Missed Opportunity for Prevention

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once infected in childhood, the virus remains dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life as shingles. While the chickenpox vaccine helps reduce future shingles risk, it’s only available through private providers in South Africa — not the public immunisation programme.

With no approved shingles vaccine and limited access to the chickenpox vaccine in the public sector, the country is missing an opportunity to prevent needless pain, suffering, and long-term healthcare costs.

A Gap That Needs Urgent Fixing

South Africans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops — or empty their savings — to access essential preventative care. With an ageing population and high numbers of immunocompromised individuals, the need for a shingles vaccine is urgent.

Until Shingrix is approved locally and made more affordable, the best many can do is stay informed, advocate for access, and consult with their doctors about available options.

{Source: Business Live}

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