Brazil Health Ministry Declines Shingles Vaccine for SUS Coverage

Overview

• A ministry order published in the Official Gazette formalizes non-incorporation for people aged 80 and over and for immunocompromised adults from 18 years.
• Conitec estimated vaccinating 1.5 million people per year, totaling 6.5 million over five years, with calculations reflecting GSK's supply limits.
• GSK offered R$403.30 per dose, while Conitec calculated that a price near R$75.75 per dose would be required to meet cost-effectiveness thresholds.
• The ministry stated it remains interested in adding the vaccine to SUS, negotiations will continue for a viable price, and no new proposal has been submitted by the manufacturer.
• Shingrix remains available only in the private sector, typically around R$850 per dose for a two-dose regimen, with the ministry noting the projected vaccine cost exceeds the R$4.2 billion spent on Farmácia Popular in 2025.