Change to the Shingles Vaccination

At present, a vaccine to protect against shingles is available on the NHS to all people in their 70’s, with patients aged 70 -79 being eligible. The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm; you only receive the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of year (unlike the flu vaccine). The shingles vaccine should reduce your risk of getting shingles, and if you do go on to have the disease the illness will be shorter with milder symptoms.

Shingles can be very painful and some people are left with lasting pain for years. Shingles can also be fatal for around 1 in 1,000 patients who are over 70 so it is important to be vaccinated.

From 1st September 2023, more people will be eligible for the vaccine. As well as people between 70 and 79 you will be eligible:

· When you turn 65 (as long as you turn 65 between 1st September 2023 and 31st August 2024)

· If you are aged 50 or over and have a severely weakened immune system

Patients who turned 65 before 1st September 2023 will be eligible when they turn 70.

The practice will contact eligible patients to invite them for their shingles vaccination, and you can find more information here: Shingles vaccine overview - NHS (www.nhs.uk)