GSK launches Shingrix in South Africa following SAHPRA registration

SOUTH AFRICA — GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that its shingles vaccine, Shingrix, will finally be available in South Africa to provide adults with a more effective option for preventing shingles, a decade after its introduction in the United States.

The vaccine is expected to be available in private pharmacies by the end of June, but its high price could make it inaccessible for many South Africans and could limit its uptake in the public healthcare system.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox, but it comes back later in life. It is especially common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

It typically presents as a painful rash and clusters of blisters on one side of the body, but in severe cases it can lead to complications such as vision loss, hearing impairment, stroke, and persistent nerve pain.

Professor Jeremy Nel, an infectious disease specialist, previously described shingles as a debilitating illness that can have serious consequences beyond the characteristic rash, underscoring the importance of prevention through vaccination.

Improved protection arrives in South Africa

South Africa previously had access to MSD’s Zostavax vaccine, which was approved in 2011 but withdrawn from the local market in 2024, as it offered approximately 50% protection against shingles.

Shingrix, by contrast, has demonstrated around 90% effectiveness in preventing the disease and has become one of GSK’s leading vaccine products globally.

The vaccine was registered earlier this month by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), paving the way for large-scale importation and commercial distribution.

According to GSK, Shingrix is expected to be available in South Africa by the end of June 2026.

The vaccine will launch at a recommended price of R2,783 (US$155) per dose, including VAT.

Because the vaccination schedule requires two doses administered two to six months apart, the total vaccine cost will exceed R5,566 (US$310) before administration fees are added.

As a Schedule 4 medicine, Shingrix will require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Questions over public-sector access

Following SAHPRA registration, the next step is assessment by South Africa’s National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI), which will advise the National Department of Health on whether the vaccine should be included in public-sector immunisation programmes.

The Department of Health said any decision will depend on factors such as vaccine effectiveness, safety, operational feasibility, public health priorities, and available funding.

The department has not yet received NAGI’s recommendations regarding Shingrix.

GSK stated that its immediate focus is the vaccine’s introduction into the private sector but indicated that it remains open to discussions regarding future public-sector availability.

Medical Scheme Coverage still unclear

Medical schemes are also evaluating how the vaccine may be funded.

According to Discovery Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, a vaccine must be registered with SAHPRA, assigned a valid NAPPI code, and be commercially available before it can be considered for reimbursement.

Once Shingrix becomes available in pharmacies, eligible members of plans with Medical Savings Accounts may be able to access funding through those benefits.

Until then, access remains limited to special Section 21 authorisations, which are generally excluded from scheme funding.

Growing global momentum for Shingrix

The South African launch comes as GSK continues to expand the vaccine’s global reach.

Earlier this year, the European Commission approved a new prefilled syringe presentation of Shingrix, simplifying administration for healthcare professionals while maintaining the same efficacy and dosing schedule.

The vaccine has also continued to drive growth for GSK internationally.

The company recently reported record quarterly global sales for Shingrix, supported by strong demand in the United States and Europe.

Current recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise all adults aged 50 years and older to receive the two-dose vaccine.

Adults aged 19 years and older with weakened immune systems are also advised to be vaccinated.

In March 2025, the World Health Organization recommended that countries where shingles poses a significant public health burden consider introducing the vaccine for older adults and people living with chronic health conditions.