A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease, is currently available on the NHS to people in their 70s. Unlike the flu vaccine, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year. Most people will only need 1 dose, but some people who cannot have the routine vaccine for health reasons will need 2 doses.
From September 2023, this vaccine will also be available to people turning 65 after 1 September and to people over 50 with a severely weakened immune system.
Once you become eligible for shingles vaccination a GP or practice nurse will offer you the vaccine when you attend the surgery for general reasons. If you are worried that you may miss out on the shingles vaccination, contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment to have the vaccine.
For more information visit the NHS website