Proposal for Bulk Purchase of Shingles Vaccination to Reduce Cost to Consumers

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider a bulk purchase of the drugs for shingles vaccination to reduce the purchase price and potentially making the vaccine cost-effective for the prevention of shingles at the population level.

Today, the Ministry of Health uses value-based pricing negotiations with vaccine manufacturers, as well as bulk purchasing, to ensure that drugs and vaccines are procured at cost-effective prices. However, the shingles vaccine is currently priced at a level that is not commensurate with its benefits. We are not giving up and will continue to engage the supplier.