Shingles Vaccine
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It’s available on the NHS for:
- All adults turning 65
- Those aged 70 to 79
- Those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
What the shingles vaccine is for
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
Who should have the shingles vaccine
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, given between 6 and 12 months apart.
We should contact you to make an appointment. If not, please contact us.
Note: If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023, you’ll be eligible when you turn 70.
People aged 70 to 79
Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible. You’ll be offered 2 doses, 6 to 12 months apart. If you’ve missed your vaccine, please contact the surgery.
People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
You’re eligible if you’re 50+ and have a severely weakened immune system. This includes:
- People with blood cancer (e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma)
- People with HIV or AIDS
- Recent stem cell or organ transplant recipients
- People receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or certain immune-suppressing medicines
You’ll be offered 2 doses, 8 weeks to 6 months apart. If unsure, ask your GP or care team.
Who cannot have the shingles vaccine
Most people can have the vaccine. You should not have it if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any ingredient in the vaccine.
If you’re unwell
If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you’re feeling better before having the vaccine.
How to get the shingles vaccine
Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible. This may be by letter, text, phone or email.
You may also be offered the vaccine during another GP appointment.
Please contact us if:
- You think you’re eligible but haven’t been contacted
- You missed your vaccine and are still under 80
- You’ve had the vaccine before but now have a weakened immune system
- You’re due the vaccine but are feeling unwell
- You need to change your appointment
Having other vaccines at the same time
You can usually have the shingles vaccine at the same time as flu, COVID-19 or pneumococcal vaccines.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and go away within 2–3 days. These can include:
- Swelling, itchiness, bruising or pain where the injection was given
- Headache
- Aching body
- Feeling tired
- High temperature
- Shivering (chills)
Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Our vaccinators are trained to treat them immediately.
