Australians have embraced shingles vaccination but there is still unmet need given early shortages and the fact the only option is a live vaccine, according to an expert evaluation of the national program.

The report, from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) in Sydney, says the first universal vaccine program for older adults in more than a decade has been “well received” by both patients and providers.

So much so, that the free program — which kicked off in November 2016 for adults aged 70, as well as a catch-up for those aged 71-79 — saw demand temporarily outstripping supply.

The NCIRS said low supply of the shingles vaccine — Zostavax (MSD) — was deemed a “major challenge” by federal and state departments.