The NHS has announced that from September, 900,000 more people will be eligible for a shingles vaccination.
Those aged of 50 and severely immunosuppressed will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine. The vaccine is currently only available to those over 70.
Also from 1 September, those turning 65 and 70 will also be able to get the vaccine after their birthday, in addition to those already aged 70-80.
Once eligible, patients will be contacted by their GP practice.
By September 2028, eligibility will be expanded to those aged 60 and over.
The change follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)that the Shingrix vaccine should be extended to more people, after trials showed the vaccine was highly effective and safe for these groups.
National Director of Vaccinations and Screening at NHS England, Steve Russell, said: “While the country has been focused on the NHS’s successful Covid and flu vaccine programmes, there remain other preventable illnesses like Shingles which can be fatal to those most at risk.
“With a quarter of people getting Shingles in their lifetime, and with it being one of the few conditions that cannot achieve herd immunity, the expansion of the programme will provide peace of mind to hundreds of thousands and save lives.
“So please do not put off getting the jab if you are eligible, there are many chances to get the vaccine and those eligible could also be given many opportunities to quickly get your jab during routine visits to GP practices.”
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Shingles is an extremely painful condition and complications can be long-lasting. Older people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. A newly available vaccine, Shingrix, is being offered on the NHS from September to those aged 65 and 70 years, and to those with severely weakened immune systems from 50 years of age.
“Two doses of vaccine are highly effective in reducing your risk of getting shingles, or if you do develop shingles, reduce the severity of your symptoms. I strongly urge all those eligible to protect themselves by taking up the offer of a vaccine when they are contacted by their GP.”
Image by LuAnn Hunt from Pixabay
