At least 9 in 10 adults are already infected with the virus that causes Shingles, having had chickenpox as a child and around 1 in 4 people will go on to develop Shingles in their lifetime – the risk of this increases with age and those individuals with a severely weakened immune system.
Shingles cannot be caught from other people. Instead, it develops in people who have been previously infected by chicken pox in their lifetime. Chickenpox can appear quite mildly in people so many will be unaware that they have been affected by it in the past but studies have shown that nearly every adult has had the virus.
Eligibility
Anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and over 50 will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccines.
From September 2023, those turning 65 and 70 may be able to get the vaccine after their birthday; in addition to those already aged 70-80. Eligibility will then be expanded to include those 60 and over by September 2033.
PATIENTS WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN THEY BECOME ELIGIBLE.
Shingles Vaccination
From 1 September 2023, all newly eligible individuals will be offered 2 doses of the non-live shingles vaccine Shingrix® instead of Zostavax®. In addition to this, the eligibility for the immunocompromised and immunocompetent cohorts will change to allow individuals to be protected at an earlier age. This is based on recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Although shingles can occur at any age, the risk and severity of shingles and its complications increases with age and is high in individuals who are immunosuppressed. It is important to ensure that those at greatest risk are vaccinated at an earlier age and this forms the basis of the JCVI recommendations.
