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A new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, has been launched in South Africa, offering over 90% effectiveness in preventing the disease in people over 50. The vaccine, which costs around R5 600 for two doses, may also lower the risk of dementia, strokes, and death.

Shingles, a disease caused by the chickenpox virus, affects around a third of people at least once in their lifetime. The risk increases with age and can be life-changing, especially for older people. Melanie Verwoerd, a former Member of Parliament and South African ambassador to Ireland, experienced the disease firsthand and was determined to prevent a recurrence.

What is Shingrix?

Shingrix is a new shingles vaccine that has been approved in the US since 2017. It is more effective than the previous shingles vaccine, Zostavax, which was only 64% effective in preventing shingles in people aged 60-69. Shingrix, on the other hand, remains highly effective in older groups, making it a promising option for preventing the disease.

According to the manufacturer of Shingrix, the vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing shingles in people over 50. This makes it a significant improvement over Zostavax, which was the previous shingles vaccine available in South Africa.

The potential anti-dementia effect

Studies suggest the jab may also lower the risk of dementia, strokes and even death.

They consider the vaccine’s effectiveness and accessibility in the context of the country’s healthcare system and priorities. Discussions will be guided by clinical evidence, regulatory requirements, and affordability.

The cost of the vaccine, around R5 600 for two doses, may be a barrier to access, especially in a country with limited appetite for adult vaccination. However, if the vaccine is proven to have an anti-dementia effect, it could be a cost-effective option in the long run, considering the high cost of caring for people with dementia.

Linda Nordling notes that the flu vaccine, which is free and covered by the state and most medical aids, carries a similar list of associated health benefits to Shingrix, including lower dementia risk and reduced all-cause mortality. Despite this, uptake of the flu vaccine is still low, highlighting the challenges of implementing a wider roll-out of Shingrix.

For now, the launch of Shingrix in South Africa offers new hope for preventing shingles and potentially reducing the risk of dementia. As more evidence emerges, it will be important to consider the vaccine’s effectiveness and accessibility.

Shingrix may also have an impact on the risk of strokes and death. It is essential to weigh the benefits and costs of the vaccine.