Health Minister must wait on powerful medical body to make new calls on free shingles vaccine

Responding to Jodie Oddy’s call, the Federal Health Minister says making the shingles vaccine free for all Aussies hinges on one thing.

TV and radio personality Jodie Oddy said the rash pain was “worse than childbirth”. Picture: Matt Loxton

Media identity Jodie Oddy’s call for nationwide access to a free shingles vaccine hinges on the deliberations of one powerful body, according to the nation’s health minister.

Health Minister Mark Butler said it was impossible to widen the listing of people eligible for the $560 vaccine without a nod from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

But after overseeing two expansions of the free shingles vaccine in the past 12 months, Mr Butler was open to Ms Oddy’s plea, prompted by a recent struggle with the painful virus during a trip to Bali.

“As Health Minister, I can’t expand the listing without a recommendation from PBAC,” Mr Butler said.

“I look forward to any further consideration of the shingles vaccine eligibility by the PBAC. Without vaccination, almost one in three Australians will get shingles in their lifetime.”

Those over 65 years of age and other moderately immunocompromised Australians can now get the vaccine for free, protecting them from the viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash.

TV and radio personality Jodie Oddy back at work after suffering from shingles. Picture: Matt Loxton

This week Ms Oddy, who has returned to work as a Nova919 breakfast radio presenter and television reporter, said the burning rash and weeping blisters she has endured from shingles have started settling.

But she vowed to ensure the virus does not affect her again, warning others to be immunised and calling for the cost of vaccination to be free.

Nerve pain from the virus can last months, and the risk of complications like pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and swelling of the brain increase with age.

Ms Oddy first began feeling a burning sensation on her neck one day into a “de-stressing holiday” in Bali with her husband Greg.

It quickly turned into a painful rash that has now led her into turning into a “poster girl for shingles” warning others to take preventive measure.

She described the pain as “worse than childbirth”.