1 April 2018 National Immunisation Schedule Change – Zoster Vaccine Fact Sheet To: Health Professionals and Primary Health Organisations This fact sheet sets out what you need to know about the addition of the zoster vaccine to the National Immunisation Schedule from 1 April 2018. More information about the eligibility criteria can be found on PHARMAC’s website The Ministry’s website also contains the latest immunisation updates that refer to the Schedule change Zoster vaccine added to the Schedule From 1 April 2018, Zostavax will be funded for people aged 65 years for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). Those aged 66 to 80 years will also be able to receive a funded zoster vaccine until 31 March 2020. Immunisation Handbook 2017 The electronic versions of the Immunisation Handbook 2017 (2nd edition) are now available at . The major changes are listed on this website and include zoster and influenza chapter updates. Note hard copies of the Handbook will not be updated. Co-delivery with influenza immunisation The zoster vaccine can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccine. Now is an opportune time to plan the recall of patients who meet the eligibility criteria for zoster vaccination alongside planning your practice’s influenza programme delivery for those aged 65 years and older. Immunisation benefit claims Only one claim can be made for administration of immunisation services provided on the same day, this includes administration of the influenza and zoster vaccines in the same visit. If the vaccines are administered at different visits a claim can be made for each visit. Vaccine availability Zostavax will be available to order from the ProPharma regional stores from Monday 19 March. As 1 April 2018 falls on Easter Sunday, vaccinations can begin on the next business day (Tuesday 3 April 2018). Vaccine ordering Changes are being made to the ProPharma online and fax vaccine order forms at Vaccines can be ordered in packs of 10. Please use the online order process as it is less susceptible to error and is faster. If necessary, to keep pharmaceutical refrigerators within their capacity limits, practices may order their Schedule vaccines more frequently than twice a month during April to June when they are also vaccinating their patients against influenza. NIR and PMS changes The National Immunisation Register (NIR), practice management systems (PMS) and Ministry payment systems are being updated for the 1 April 2018 Schedule change.
Your PMS vendor will advise you when their software has been updated and what changes they have made to their software. Please ensure you have the latest version of your PMS, and make sure that all clinical staff have access to and have read the release notes from your PMS provide. Supporting resources A zoster vaccine information sheet has been included with the 2018 Influenza Kit, and information will be included at all Vaccinator Training Courses and Updates. Further resources and information is available on the IMAC website and some education sessions/webinars will be available. Please see for further details. The Ministry has developed a resource for older adults (HE2540) and this can support the zoster vaccine discussion. The Immunisation Schedule card with vaccine box photos (HE1308) is available. Both can be ordered at Merck Sharpe & Dohme NZ Limited (MSD) has also produced resources for health professionals to support Zostavax. These resources are now available to order at or call your local MSD Account Manager. For more information about zoster refer to Chapter 22 in the Handbook. Cold chain management All Schedule vaccines must be stored between +2˚C to +8˚C. It is likely there will be some pressure on the capacity of your vaccination fridge at this time of year. Please consider your pharmaceutical refrigerator capacity when ordering your vaccine supplies to ensure that you do not exceed 90 percent of the available storage space, especially during the influenza programme. All immunisation providers should ensure you: are familiar with the National Standards for Vaccine Storage and Transportation for Immunisation Providers 2017 which is available from the Ministry’s website at: update your Cold Chain Policy and processes to include the zoster change and vaccine ordering volumes. Communication and implementation of the Schedule The Ministry will continue to communicate with health professionals and members of the public through our regular channels including the monthly Immunisation Update, DHB teleconferences, working with IMAC and professional bodies to ensure that providers are aware of these changes. The Immunisation Team appreciates your role as health providers and vaccinators in improving the health of our communities through immunisation. If you have any further questions, please contact the Ministry’s Immunisation Team at Vaccine Brand Name Scheduled Event Route New/Replaces Zoster vaccine Zostavax Funded vaccine for adults 65 years SC New 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2020 for eligible adults 66 - 80 years