The NHS has confirmed that a free two-dose shingles vaccine is available to all adults aged between 65 and 80. The vaccine protects against shingles, an infection that causes a painful rash on one side of the body and can take up to four weeks to heal.
Most people who develop shingles recover without any lasting problems, but the infection can sometimes lead to more serious complications. These include long-lasting pain, scarring, muscle weakness, hearing loss and eye problems that can result in sight loss.
Who is eligible and when
Shingles often begins with a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache, or a general feeling of being unwell. A rash usually appears a few days later and can develop anywhere on the body, including on the face and eyes.
The risk of getting shingles increases with age, with pensioners and people with a severely weakened immune system particularly vulnerable. The infection is also more likely to cause serious problems in these groups.
As of September 1, 2023, all adults become eligible for the shingles vaccine when they turn 65 and are offered two doses, given between six and 12 months apart. Those who turned 65 before that date become eligible when they turn 70 and remain eligible up until their 80th birthday.
How to get the vaccine
Confirming the eligibility, the NHS said: “From September 1, 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65. You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.”
“Your GP should contact you to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Contact your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine and you've not been contacted about it,” the NHS added.
“You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday). If you turned 65 before September 1, 2023, you'll be eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 70,” the statement continued.
“Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine. You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart. Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine. You're eligible up until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday).”
Vaccination advice and side effects
It is possible to get shingles more than once, so the NHS advises getting vaccinated even if the infection has been experienced before. GP surgeries usually contact eligible patients by letter, text message, phone call or email.
Anyone who is eligible and has not been contacted, or who missed the vaccine when contacted and is still under 80, should speak to their GP surgery to book or rearrange an appointment. The NHS says side effects are usually mild and should improve within a few days, and can include swelling or itchiness around the injection site, a headache, tiredness, an aching body, a high temperature and chills.
