If I had previously been vaccinated with the live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine (Zostavax), am I still recommended to receive the shingles vaccine (recombinant herpes zoster vaccine; RHZV) and eligible for subsidies?

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Individuals who have previously received Zostavax can receive RHZV to increase their protection against shingles and its complications as the effectiveness of Zostavax wanes over time. RHZV is more effective and offers longer-lasting protection against shingles.

Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), eligible individuals who have received Zostavax previously are recommended to be vaccinated with a one-time course of RHZV (two doses) at least five years after their Zostavax vaccination. This interval between Zostavax and RHZV vaccination can be shortened to at least a year for adults aged 70 years and above due to the lower efficacy of Zostavax in this age group.

If I had previously been vaccinated with the live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine (Zostavax), am I still recommended to receive the shingles vaccine (recombinant herpes zoster vaccine; RHZV) and eligible for subsidies?

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