The Ministry of Health (MOH) will extend subsidies and MediSave coverage for the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, starting September 2025.
Shingrix is the only HSA-registered vaccine for shingles prevention in Singapore. GSK, a British pharmaceutical company, produces the vaccine, which was approved for use in Singapore in 2021.
The vaccine currently costs between $900 to $950 for two doses. After MOH’s discussions with GSK, they agreed on a lower price.
Eligible Singaporeans and PRs aged 60 and above, or those aged 18 and above with compromised immune systems, can receive up to 75% subsidies at CHAS GP clinics, polyclinics and MOH-funded long-term care institutions.
The post-subsidy prices are:
- Pioneer Generation: $75 to $150
- Merdeka Generation: $112.50 to $225
- Other eligible Singaporeans: $150 to $300
- Eligible PRs: $450
From 2026, the remaining cost can be paid using MediSave.
About 30,000 people in Singapore get shingles annually. The Shingrix vaccine offers over 90% protection against shingles, though effectiveness may decrease for older people and those with weakened immune systems. The protection lasts at least 11 years.
Shingrix is a recombinant herpes zoster vaccine that contains no live virus. Instead, it includes the shingles “code” for the body to build immunity.
The virus that causes chickenpox, VZV, can stay dormant in the body and later cause shingles. Symptoms include intense pain from rash blisters, fever, headache, chills and stomach upset. Older adults may experience severe, long-lasting nerve pain even after rashes clear. Rare complications include lung infection, brain inflammation, hearing loss or blindness.
GSK Singapore general manager Raakhi Sippy stated that MOH’s decision helps Singapore’s aging population access the vaccine when needed.
