Shingles vaccinations now available to eligible patients

 

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Get Protected. Your shingles vaccine is waiting for you.

Shingles vaccinations are now available at our surgery to those who are eligible.

The guidelines have changed this year and the invitation is now extended to those patients who are turning age 65 from the 1st September 2023.

 

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash. It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness.

You're more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system.

The shingles vaccine helps:

  • reduce your chances of getting shingles
  • reduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles

More information about the shingles vaccine

 

Who is eligible?

People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023.

From 1 September 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.

We will send out text messages to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Please get in touch if you have not been contacted about it.

You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday.

Information: If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023, you'll be eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 70.

People aged 70 to 79

Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine. Depending on the type of vaccine you have, you'll have either 1 dose or 2 doses (given between 6 and 12 months apart).

Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine. You're eligible up until your 80th birthday.

People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system

You're eligible for the shingles vaccine if you're aged 50 or over and you're at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.

This includes:

  • some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
  • some people with HIV or AIDS
  • some people who've recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
  • people taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system

You'll be given 2 doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart.

 

How to book

Ask us if you are not sure if you're eligible for the shingles vaccine

We have the vaccine available and clinics available, give our reception a call 01900 705750 to book.

Published: Sep 5, 2023