We are aware there has been an alteration to the Shingles vaccination programme and that you may have had a letter or message from NHS England.
What is the new Vaccine?
The new vaccine is called Shingrix and is a non-live vaccine which is considered to have longer lasting effects and can be given to immunosuppressed patients. It does however require you to have 2 injections spaced between 6 weeks and 6 months apart.
For further information see the website link http://www.nhs.uk/condistions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination/
Who can have this?
There are 3 groups of people we can vaccinate with the new Shingrix vaccine.
- Patients who are 50 years old and over (up to end of life) who are immunosuppressed.
- Patients turning 65 with a birthdate between 1st September 1958 and 31st Aug 1959.
- Patients turning 70 with a birthdate between 1st September 1953 and 31st August 1954
I’m already 70 or over what does this mean for me?
Anyone who has already turned 70 and upto 80 years old before 1st September 2023 is eligible for the Zostavax single live vaccine and is not included in the new programme offering the Shingrix non live 2 part vaccine. You will still be offered the Zostavax vaccine until NHS England central stock supplies are used up. After which we will then be able to offer the new vaccine, we are unsure how long this will take but could potentially be at least a year.
I turned 65 before 1st September 2023 what does this mean for me?
You will be offered a vaccination when you turn 70.
I am already 66-69 what does this mean for me?
You will be offered a vaccination when you turn 70.
