Why NZ's Shingles Vaccine Costs Hundreds - and Who Misses Out

Shingles has been called more painful than childbirth — and there's a vaccine that's over 90% effective at preventing it. So why is it free for just one single year of your life? Karen O'Leary investigates New Zealand's strange shingles rule: the vaccine is fully funded the year you turn 65, but a day past your 66th birthday and you're on your own — facing a bill of hundreds of dollars for a jab experts say should be offered far more widely. Karen meets Judy, who just wanted to protect her husband Colin and was floored by what the vaccine costs; Kiwis living through shingles right now, including one who says she'd take ten childbirths over it again; and an infectious disease expert who explains why the vaccine is so expensive — and why the current age cut-off makes no medical sense. We put it to Pharmac. They told us around 70% of 65-year-olds now take up the free vaccine, and that current funding targets the group who'll benefit most — but they say they support extending it, and are weighing options including free vaccination for everyone over 50. Watch the full investigation on Paddy Gower Has Issues, streaming free on ThreeNow. Made with the support of NZ On Air.