Shingles can be uncomfortable and for some people can be very painful and last a long time. A national immunisation programme offers people over the age of 70 a one-dose vaccination to help prevent shingles. There is also a catch-up programme being rolled out to those aged 70-79 years.
You become eligible for the vaccine on the first day of September after you’ve turned 70 and remain so until the last day of August the following year.
Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year. You can have the shingles vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccination.
Visit NHS Choices or Shingles Aware for more information about the Shingles or the Shingles Vaccination.
