Shingles vaccine: Over 1 million people are eligible to get jabbed, should you get it?

According to NHS data, about 1 in 5 Brits who have had chickenpox develop shingles.

The condition can be fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over-70s who get it.

Often incredibly painful and uncomfortable, the disease leaves some of those who suffered from it with chronic pain even after the rash has healed.

In some cases, the dreadful condition can lead to blindness and hearing loss.

Luckily, the shingle vaccine can reduce the risk of getting it and makes the symptoms milder and duration shorter if you still go on to have the disease.

At the moment, only those aged over 70 can get the Shingrix jab but the NHS has just announced that a lot more people will be eligible for the vital shot starting from September this year.

The program will include anyone who is over 50 and has a compromised immune system.

Here is all you need to know.

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More vulnerable people are now eligible for shingles vaccine

Over 1 million Brits are now eligible for shingles vaccine, the NHS announced.

If before only those aged over 70 could access the vital Shingrix jab to prevent the potentially debilitating and deadly virus, the program has now expanded to include a lot more of those whose health may be negatively impacted by the disease.

Starting from September 1 2023, anyone who is over 50 and has a compromised immune system will be able to receive the shot.

Those turning 65 and 70 will also be eligible for the vaccine after their birthday.

If you qualify, expect your GP should reach out to you about the timing for your jab. It may also be offered during a routine check-up.

The NHS has also committed to expanding availability to all people aged 60 and over by September 2028.

Steve Russell, national director of vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said:

With a quarter of people getting shingles in their lifetime, and with it being one of the few conditions that cannot achieve herd immunity, the expansion of the programme will provide peace of mind to hundreds of thousands and save lives.

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How dangerous are shingles?

NHS suggests that at least nine in 10 adults carry the shingles virus, which develops in people who have previously had chicken pox.

Earlier this year it was reported that This Morning presenter Holly Willoughbyhad to miss several episodes of the show following a diagnosis.

The disease is characterised by a rash that usually appears a few days after the initial pain and tingling, and lasts for about a week.

The older you are, the more likely you are to have long-lasting pain.

Sometimes shingles develop in the eye and may also affect the eyelid. This can cause severe pain and lead to decreased vision or even permanent blindness in that eye.

Most people recover fully, but for some, the pain goes on for months or even years.

Shingles can also cause hearing loss or even be fatal for those most vulnerable.

Here is what we know about the Shingles vaccine

Shingles vaccine - Shingrix - was made available as an alternative to Zostavax in September 2021.

According to the NHS, people who have already received a Zostavax jab do not need to be re-vaccinated with the other option.

The vital shot is given as an injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu vaccine, you'll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year.

It's fine to have the shingles vaccine if you've already had shingles.

Research suggests that the shot will protect you for at least 5 years, probably longer.

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Sources used:

- Metro: 'Almost 1,000,000 more people now eligible for shingles vaccine – can you get it?'

- NHS: 'Shingles vaccine overview'