Shingles vaccinations

Posted by: Mark - Posted on:

Non-urgent advice: Prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease.

The eligibility for a free NHS Shingles vaccine is changing from the 1st of September 2023

The Shingles vaccine helps protect you from shingles, a common, painful skin disease.

Previously, you could only have the shingles vaccine between the ages of 70 and 79. However anyone turning 65 on or after the 1st of September 2023 is able to get the vaccine after their birthday.

Please note that if you have your 65th birthday before the 1st of September 2023, you will have to wait until you are 70 to become eligible.  Eligibility will then be expanded to include everyone aged 60 and over by September 2033.

Follow this link to download and view the NHS Shingles Vaccination expansion programme schedule for information on when your age group will become eligible
Shingles vaccination – all year round! Eligibility poster (publishing.service.gov.uk)

From September, the shingles vaccine will also be available to those aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system.  Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of their Shingles Vaccine do not need re-vaccination.

You do not need to get in touch with us to request a shingles vaccine as patients are contacted  when they become eligible.  However if you are eligible and think you may have missed your vaccine, please contact the practice.

The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once, and you can have it at any time of the year.  

For more information visit the government website Shingles vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)