Jodie Oddy, an Australian radio host from Nova 919’s breakfast show, has shared a startling experience following her recent Bali holiday. On Monday, Oddy revealed she returned from the tropical paradise with an unexpected and painful condition—shingles. This condition, a severe rash caused by the chickenpox virus, led to excruciating discomfort, which Oddy described as being “worse than childbirth.” A candid photo posted on her Instagram account displayed her inflamed neck, chest, and shoulder area—cruel reminders of her vacation.
The Channel 10 journalist disclosed that immediately upon returning home, she sought medical attention for the severe pain. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis of shingles after conducting several tests. This revelation prompted an outpouring of empathy from fans sharing similar experiences. One follower recounted having shingles near the eye and face, while another encouraged Oddy to consider the shingles vaccination, to which she humorously replied, “Is it too late? I don’t ever want this again!”
In response to the growing concern surrounding shingles, the Albanese government has announced an expansion in free shingles vaccination eligibility. Now, over 200,000 Australians, specifically those aged 18 to 65 who are immunocompromised, can receive the vaccine at no cost. Previously, only those over 65, Indigenous Australians aged 50 and older, and certain high-risk adults qualified for free vaccination. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that nearly one in three Australians will likely face shingles in their lifetime. By extending free access, the government aims to protect more Australians from this debilitating virus.
