Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026 edition)

EA hours: 1
MO hours: 4
RP hours: 1
Total hours: 6
Middle aged women proudly showing the site of her herpes zoster vaccination
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    Activity aim

    This clinical audit will guide GPs through the process of identifying patients for whom herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination is recommended, and outlines the evidence and updated Australian recommendations for administering the HZ vaccine.

    Now fully updated in line with updates to the Australian Immunisation Handbook including recent changes in eligibility for zoster vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), and the removal of Zostavax

    Why take part in this program?

    • Evaluate evidence-based recommendations for HZ vaccination in patients 50 years or older.
    • Earn 6 CPD hours upon completion.

    Inclusion criteria

    Patients who are eligible for this clinical audit are adults who are:

    • Aged 50 years or over
    • Have not previously received the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix)

    How long should it take?

    The program has been designed to take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. This includes patient recall from your practice, patient consult and program evaluation.

    Tips to recruit patients

    Recruitment may occur:

    • Opportunistically as you review appropriate patients as part of usual care.
    • By active recall.

    Learning outcomes

    On completion of this educational activity participants will be able to:
    Identify patients 50 years or older in your practice for whom herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination may be recommended.
    Screen potential HZ patients for risk factors and comorbid conditions that put them at higher priority for HZ vaccination.
    Understand the features of the available HZ vaccine and its characteristics.
    Evaluate patients' medical history, comorbid conditions and contraindications relevant to HZ vaccination.
    Educate patients on the HZ vaccine and schedule appropriate follow-up consultations.
    Newly revised audit!

    Register for this revised audit for measuring outcomes hours for 2026.

    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Predisposing activity
    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Education
    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Patient questions
    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Reflection exercise
    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Reinforcing activity
    Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people (2026) - Evaluation
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