The herpes zoster vaccine is costly when paid out of pocket. Yilan County plans to subsidize middle-aged and older vulnerable groups and people with major illnesses. The subsidy has been included in this year’s supplementary budget plan, with priority for Yilan County residents aged 65 or older and Indigenous residents aged 55 or older who have National Health Insurance major illness status, or are from low-income or lower-middle-income households.

The subsidy plan is expected to allocate more than NT$130 million, benefiting about 11,000 residents. Eligible residents may receive full subsidy for 2 doses of the herpes zoster vaccine. Details on eligibility checks, appointments and vaccination schedules will be announced after the budget is approved.

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is related to the varicella-zoster virus. Initial infection can cause chickenpox. After recovery, the virus may remain dormant in nerve ganglia and reactivate when age increases or immunity declines.

Common aftereffects include nerve pain and sensory abnormalities, which may last from weeks to years. The chance of postherpetic neuralgia is about 8% to 15%. Moderate to severe pain may last more than 3 months, and severe cases may affect chronic disease control and increase risks such as blindness and stroke.

Yilan County has promoted vaccine subsidies for different age groups in recent years, including pneumococcal vaccines for older adults and oral rotavirus vaccines for infants. If the herpes zoster vaccine subsidy completes the budget process, high-risk middle-aged and older groups will be included in publicly funded protection.