The NHS offers the shingles vaccine to eligible adults aged 65 to 80 (Image: Getty)
Older adults in England may be entitled to a free two-dose shingles vaccination through the NHS, health officials have confirmed.
The vaccine is designed to protect against shingles, an infection that can cause a painful rash, usually on one side of the body, and may take up to four weeks to clear. Although many people recover without lasting effects, shingles can sometimes lead to complications such as long-term nerve pain, scarring, muscle weakness, hearing loss and eye problems that can, in severe cases, result in sight loss. Early symptoms often include tingling or pain in a patch of skin, a headache, or generally feeling unwell before a rash appears a few days later. The rash is most commonly seen on the chest or tummy, but it can develop anywhere, including the face and eyes.
The risk of shingles increases with age, and people with a severely weakened immune system are also more vulnerable. The infection is also more likely to cause serious health problems in these groups. To reduce that risk, the NHS offers the shingles vaccine to eligible adults aged 65 to 80, helping to cut the chance of developing shingles and lowering the risk of severe complications if infection does occur.
Since September 1, 2023, adults have become eligible for the shingles vaccine when they turn 65. Those offered the jab will receive two doses, given between six and 12 months apart.
People who turned 65 before September 1, 2023, become eligible when they turn 70 and can still receive the vaccine until their 80th birthday.
Confirming the rules, the NHS states: “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.
“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.
“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 1 September 2023, you’ll be eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 70.
“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).”
It’s possible to get shingles more than once, so the NHS says it’s important to get vaccinated even if you’ve already had the infection before.
Your GP surgery should contact you once you become eligible for the vaccine and this will usually be via a letter, text message, phone call or email.
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet been contacted, or you didn’t get the vaccine when you were contacted and you’re still under 80, you should speak to your GP surgery to book or rearrange an appointment.
The NHS says side effects from the vaccine are usually mild and should get better within a few days. Symptoms can include swelling or itchiness around the injection site, a headache, feeling tired, an aching body, a high temperature and chills.
