In learning how effective the Covid19 vaccination and flu jabs have been in preventing winter illnesses, NHS England is taking the next step.

From September those turning 65 and 70 will be able to get a shingles vaccine after their birthday, previously this vaccine was only available to the over 70s.  Those who are severely immunosuppressed and over 50 will also be invited to take a shingles vaccination.

Whilst shingles can occur at any age, risks and complications increase as people get older, especially for those with weak immune systems.  It is not a condition like measles or chickenpox in that others can catch it but shingles does develop in people who have had chickenpox at least once in their lifetime.  The NHS says at least 9 in 10 adults have had chicken pox and around 4 of them go on to develop shingles at some point in their life.  

The virus reawakens in a person's body, research is still being carried out as to why, but more older people are known to get it, similarly those who are feeling run down or stressed.  The pain caused by shingles can also stay for much longer than the rash.

Serious cases of shingles can cause nerve pain, blindness, hearing loss and even death but the vaccination reduces both the risk of developing shingles and experiencing nasty symptoms.  Most cases lead to people getting a rash, feeling sore and tired and often bed bound for a few weeks as the virus works through the body. 

It is great to see the NHS stepping up to help tackle preventable illnesses, especially in the most vulnerable and so I would urge anyone who is sent an invite this autumn, to consider taking up a shingles vaccine. 

This project is not only aimed at helping the most vulnerable but also supporting the NHS and reducing their winter time work-load (though shingles can occur during any season!) 

Most vaccination will be carried out at GP surgeries, anyone who has been fully  vaccinated against shingles already will not need another vaccine.