Expanded access to Shingrix is a start: ‘We need reform for all current and future vaccines’

Pharma News: Access to GSK’s Shingrix vaccine, following the 2023-24 federal budget decision, has been limited to “immunocompromised patients aged 18 years and over” with conditions such as haemopoietic stem cell transplants, solid organ transplants, haematological malignancies, and advanced or untreated HIV.

This decision excluded patients with more common and complex immunocompromised conditions, including primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, as well as those whose immune systems are weakened due to treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and multiple sclerosis, all of whom have been left without subsidised access.

In response to this, advocacy efforts by Better Access Australia (BAA) and the Australian Patients with Primary Immune Deficiency Support (AusPIPS) successfully led to expanded access.

As of 30 August 2024, anyone aged 18 years or older who is considered at increased risk of herpes zoster due to an underlying condition or immunosuppressive treatments can now access the Shingrix vaccine.

“COVID-19 showed the importance of timely, affordable access to preventive healthcare for those of us in the community who already spend too much time engaging with the health system,” said AusPIPS President Jackie Murphy.

“This is an important first step in recognising the value of adult vaccination in patient groups too long ignored, despite the lessons the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about the risk of viruses to older Australians and those with already immunocompromised health,” added Felicity McNeill PSM, Chair of Better Access Australia, who led the Department of Health’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Division from 2010 to 2015.

Shingrix’s journey through the system has been long and winding. Originally considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in November 2018, the application was rejected. The government eventually announced funding for the listing in the 2023-24 Budget, and it was officially listed on 1 November 2023 – nearly 2,000 days after it was first registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Further submissions for broader access were considered by the PBAC in July and November 2023. The extended listing, effective from 30 August 2024, comes 989 days after the extension was included on the ARTG.

“BAA and AusPIPS have been working together since the draft National Immunisation Program (NIP) Strategy for 2025-30 was released, which was almost silent on the priority of medical need for those with immunocompromised health,” McNeill noted. “While we have achieved change for one vaccine, Shingrix, we need reform for all current and future vaccines added to the NIP.”

She continued, “The Australian Immunisation Handbook is full of recommendations for administering vaccines where no funding is available. With another whooping cough season upon us, how many people are aware of the recommendation for a booster every 10 years, and how many in the community can afford that vaccine?”

In closing, McNeill expressed gratitude to MPs in the fight for vaccine accessibility, saying “We especially thank Ministers Sanderson [WA Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson] and Thomas [VIC Minister for Health Mary- Anne Thomas] for their commitment to addressing the broader issue of immunocompromised access to all adult vaccinations.”

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