Shingles is a common, painful condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can cause a painful rash and, in some cases, long-lasting nerve pain.
The NHS shingles vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting shingles and can reduce the severity of symptoms if you do still develop it.
The shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for:
- adults turning 65
- adults aged 70 to 79
- adults aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
If you are aged 70 to 79 and have not yet had your shingles vaccine, you remain eligible until your 80th birthday. If a second dose is needed, this can be given up until your 81st birthday.
Most eligible patients will be invited by the surgery, but you can contact us if you think you are eligible and have not yet been invited.
Please make sure the surgery has your correct contact details, including your name, date of birth, address and telephone number, so that you receive any vaccination invitations.
Further information is available on the NHS website: Shingles vaccine.