PROTECTION FOR SOME, NOT FOR OTHERS: THE INEQUITY OF SHINGLES PREVENTION

Author: RICHARD STEIN

In this think piece, practicing gastroenterologist Richard Stein reflects on his experience with shingles, underscoring both its impact and the benefits of prevention.

The think piece highlights inequities in access to the shingles vaccine in Aotearoa New Zealand, where public funding is limited to those aged 65, creating an “age lottery,” alongside a “disease lottery” affecting patients with conditions like Crohn’s disease who face higher risk due to other medication and treatments but are who are not eligible for funded vaccination.