Shingrix shingles vaccine registered in South Africa but public-sector rollout still undecided

Shingrix, a shingles vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline, was registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority earlier this month and is expected to reach private sector pharmacies by the end of June 2026, AllAfrica reported. The vaccine, introduced in the United States in 2016, is estimated to be around 90 percent effective at preventing shingles.

It requires two doses given two to six months apart and is classified as a schedule 4 product that needs a doctor's prescription.

GSK stated the launch price will be R2,783 per dose including VAT, with pharmacies adding administration costs. A prior vaccine, Zostavax manufactured by MSD, had been approved in South Africa in 2011 but was withdrawn from the market in 2024 after showing roughly 50 percent effectiveness. Shingrix had previously been obtainable only through limited Section 21 import applications.

Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the National Department of Health, said the department has not yet received assessment outcomes or recommendations on Shingrix from the National Advisory Group on Immunisation. Any public sector rollout would depend on NAGI's review of availability, effectiveness, safety, operational feasibility, public health priorities, and funding.

A GSK spokesperson said initial introduction is anticipated within the private sector.