Rare Disorders NZ supports the principles behind the proposal to widen the access for recombinant varicella zoster virus vaccine (branded as Shingrix) for prevention of shingles in immunocompromised people from 1 July 2024.

This is an important step for immunocompromised people who are at both a higher risk of shingles and cannot receive the live vaccine.

However, we find the criteria very narrow and are extremely concerned by the exclusion of patients on immunocompromising therapies. Going forwards we urge Pharmac to consider how to include the rare disorder population in the drafting of Special Authority criteria containing lists of specific conditions and medicines, as such lists may unintentionally exclude people with rare disorders.

Read our full submission here

Our Collective

Rare Disorders NZ is the collective voice of all people living with a rare disorder and their whānau. Our rare collective is made up of more than 150 disorder-specific support groups.

Our work is informed by the issues important to our collective. We work together to improve healthcare and wellbeing for everyone living with a rare health condition in New Zealand.

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