According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), fewer than half of adults are taking up their free shingles vaccine in the first year of being eligible. 1% of those turning age 66, who had been eligible since their 65th birthday, had received their first dose of the shingles vaccine by October 2025. 5%.
Shingles is an infection that is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The symptoms include a painful rash, and the infection can lead to long-term complications, including nerve damage. It can cause weeks of severe pain and long-term complications including nerve damage.
Many of us will know someone who has suffered from shingles and spoken of just how painful it can be. Shingles can also have debilitating effects for months even after the rash has gone, and we know that 2 doses of this vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its serious complications.
Shingles can be extremely dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. The Shingrix For All immunisation programme began on 1 September 2023. The programme offers 2 doses of the Shingrix vaccine to all immunocompetent individuals turning 65 or 70 and severely immunosuppressed individuals turning 18 and over.
The shingles vaccine is available all year round, with all older adults eligible when they turn age 65 or 70. Those aged between 70 and 80 years should already have been offered a shingles vaccine but should catch-up if they have missed out. The shingles vaccine is also offered to all severely immunosuppressed people aged 18 years and over.
We understand people are busy, and it can be easy to put things off, but this is a vaccine that can make a real difference to your quality of life. If you are eligible and contacted by your GP, please don’t put it off — make that appointment.
The NHS shingles vaccination programme was extended and now includes people turning 65 as well as those in their 70s and anyone aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Those eligible for the shingles vaccine are being urged to come forward. Health officials emphasize that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles and its complications, and they are working to increase awareness through public campaigns and GP outreach.
The UKHSA data highlights regional variations in uptake, with some areas reporting even lower rates, prompting targeted efforts to improve access and education. Experts warn that low vaccination rates could lead to more cases of shingles, increasing healthcare costs and patient suffering, especially among vulnerable populations.
Shingles can be extremely dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. That’s why the NHS shingles vaccination programme was extended and now includes people turning 65 as well as those in their 70s and anyone aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
Please check if you or a loved one has had their vaccine if they are eligible to help protect them from this painful and potentially serious condition.