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Millions of Aussies can get a free vaccination for painful and debilitating shingles.

People who are classified as ‘moderate to high risk’ aged between 18- 64 now qualify for the immunisation. 

Those now eligible  include patients who have underlying health conditions, such as HIV or stage five kidney disease, or those receiving certain treatments.

Since November 1 last year, two doses of the vaccine were free for over-65s, and Indigenous Aussies over-50 under the National Immunisation Program.

An extension of the federal government initiative means that immunocompromised, patients aged under-65 no longer have to fork out $560 to receive the jab.

‘Making the shingles vaccine free for more Australians is not just good for their hip pocket, it’s also good for their health,’ federal health minister Mark Butler said.

The new eligibility is the result of medical experts pushing for ⭐️⭐️⭐️ All-in-one web analytics ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the change.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus – which is the same childhood virus that causes chickenpox. 

‘Moderate to high risk’ Aussies aged 18-64 and who have underlying health conditions can now get the shingles vaccine for free ( stock image of a young woman being vaccinated)

Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Sufferers get rashes of blisters that are painful and can be itchy (stock image)

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The viral infection is often painful, with sufferers covered in a rash of blisters that typically appears on one side of their body

The rash can also be itchy.

Shingles can also be debilitating, as along with sharp, jabbing pain, patients also have the potential to develop post-disease complications. 

Most people suffering from shingles can expect symptoms to last two to three weeks.

But they can also experience nerve pain for months. 

Almost all adults aged over-50 carry the inactive virus that can trigger shingles, while one in three will develop the viral infection. 

Those who are immunocompromised have a two times higher chance at developing the virus.

Griffith University School of Medicine Professor Paul van Buynder said expanding who qualifies for the Shingrix NIP vaccination is welcome news for Aussies with other health concerns, Nine News reported.

The expansion to include younger and immunocompromised patients onto the National Immunisation Program for the shingles vaccine will help people save up to $560 (stock image of a shingles rash on a man’s back)

‘Shingles can be a serious condition for adults who are considered to be highly immunocompromised,’ he said.

‘The shingles vaccine can help minimise the impact of this potentially debilitating disease and its complications, like post-herpetic neuralgia.’

Patients are urged to speak to their GP to check if they are eligible.  

The Princess of Wales has appeared in public for the first time since announcing she has completed her chemotherapy.

Kate, 42, appeared with Prince William, 42, King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 77, as they attended Crathie Kirk Church in Balmoral this morning.

The royal mother-of-three looked well as she headed to Sunday Service, in the first time she has been seen in public since revealing the good news her chemotherapy has ended.

She donned one of her favourite khaki hats, which she has previously worn to church services, as she sat in the passenger seat of the car, while William was in the driving seat – and he proudly displayed the beard that has sent royal fans wild in recent months.

The Princess accessorised with a pair of Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven earrings in gold, which dangled down and reflected the light.

Kate’s appearance follows news earlier this week that Kate returned to work, chairing a meeting as part of her early years initiative, as she continues her slow recovery following her cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales has been spotted for the first time since announcing her chemotherapy has ended as she went to church at Balmoral this morning

She was joined by members of her household team as well as representatives from her Centre for Early Childhood at Kensington Palace. 

It was formally recorded in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, which read: ‘The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor.’

It was the first meeting noted in the Court Circular since the princess held a round table of her Royal Foundation on December 6 last year.

Kate looked demure as she sat in the passenger seat while William drove to Crathie Kirk church  

The Princess sported her favourite khaki hat with feathers, a tweed jacket and sparkling dangly earrings

The King and Queen Camilla were in the car just ahead of the Prince and Princess of Wales as they travelled to church

Prince William proudly displayed his full beard as he took to the driver’s seat on the way to Sunday Service

The Princess of Wales has been pictured for the first time since announcing her chemotherapy has ended, as she joined Prince William in the car on the way to Sunday Service at church

She hosted her annual carol service two days later and attended the annual family Christmas at Sandringham but was taken into hospital just weeks later for surgery.

Although she has worked from home a little, keeping in touch with her ‘passion projects’ and staff, as well as attending the men’s finals at Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour, the meeting marks a significant step forward in Catherine’s recovery.

It is unsurprising that she chose her Early Years project as her first major work event given how important it is to her personally.

The Princess revealed last week in a heartwarming video that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and that she is focusing on remaining ‘cancer free’ as she takes small steps back into public life.

Kate shared how she would be returning to work and undertaking a ‘few more public engagements in the coming months’ – but her focus is ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free’.

With the royal’s voice speaking over the top of the video, the footage offered a heartfelt look into the Prince and Princess of Wales’ life with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. 

The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Princes George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

In an uplifting video message shared today, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’

A playful William and ⭐️⭐️⭐️ All-in-one web analytics ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kate were captured lying next to one another on the sand, while George and Louis, meanwhile, gleefully run around in the sea (pictured)

Louis brings his face to the camera as George and Kate are seen in the background 

The Princess of Wales has shared an intimate glimpse into her family life in a moving clip in which she announced she has ‘finally completed her chemotherapy treatment’

Filmed last month in Norfolk, the family could be seen exploring a woodland area, glorious fields and what is perhaps their favourite beach close to their countryside home of Anmer Hall.

In one amusing moment, Prince William, 42, saved a caterpillar that has fallen on Charlotte’s head while the family enjoy a picnic underneath an impressive tree.

But it’s not the only joyful scene captured in the footage – which was filmed by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.

A playful William and Kate were captured lying next to one another on the sand, while George and Louis, meanwhile, gleefully run around in the sea.

The unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage also featured the Princess’ parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support. 

Sat around a dining room table, they were filmed playing a card game with their three excited grandchildren and William and Kate in another light-hearted moment.

Elsewhere, the clip showed the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Kate laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing. 

The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Kate has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world. 

In the moving video, the Princess was seen walking around the woods and fields while her voiceover featured over the top. Her children showed their playful natures in the clip as they took part in several fun activities with their family.

In one instance, William and Kate’s eldest son grinned as he carried a cricket bat while hiking through the woods with his parents and siblings. 

Louise, meanwhile, enjoyed climbing trees and being pushed on the swing by his mother while laughing. 

Experimenting with the camera, another shot showed George looking into the lens as he asked ‘is this filming?’ while sat on a picnic blanket with Kate. 

A curious Louis then entered the frame to say: ‘Hello!’ while Charlotte also laughed and joined in the amusing moment. 

The energetic trio also climbed around on wooden logs, shared cuddles with their family, and played card games with their grandparents during the stunning three-minute long video.

In her message the princess says: ‘As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. 

‘The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. 

‘The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.

‘This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.’

Referring to her plans for the coming months, Kate continues: ‘Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.

‘Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.’

Revealed: Kate’s full statement 

As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. 

Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. 

With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted.

Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. 

Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. 

Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.