No subsidy for shingles vaccine due to high cost: MOH

At manufacturer's proposed price, vaccine is not considered cost-effective at population level

- Salma Khalik

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will not subsidise the cost of the shingles vaccine because of its high price.

A check by The Straits Times found that the price of the two doses of the Shingrix vaccine, which are administered two to six months apart, ranges from $720 to $950, inclusive of goods and services tax and any consultation fees.

"At the price proposed by the manufacturer, the vaccine is not considered cost-effective for the prevention of shingles at the population level," MOH said on Nov 12 in response to a parliamentary question.

Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) had asked in Parliament in November whether MOH planned to include the vaccine in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule, "such that it will be eligible for subsidies, especially for vulnerable seniors".