From 1st September 2023 the cohorts for a free NHS Shingles vaccine has changed.
Patients who are turning 65 or 70 on or after 1st September 2023 will be invited to attend for the Shingles vaccination. This means patient who are already 65 – 69 before 1st September 2023 will have to wait until they are 70 before becoming eligible.
Patient will remain eligible for the shingles vaccine until their 80th Birthday, however the sooner you have the vaccine, the earlier you will be protected.
The Shingles vaccination will also be available for patients with a severely weakened immune system who are aged 50 or over. People with a severely weakened immune system remain eligible for the vaccine as there is no upper age limit.
What vaccine will you be offered.
Shingrix® is a non-live vaccine and will need 2 doses to give the best longer lasting protection. Most patients will need a second Shingrix from approximately 6 months after the first dose. If you have a severely weakened immune system a second dose will be given at least 8 weeks after the first dose.
The nurse will let you know when to book for the second dose.
Do I need to contact the practice?
As patients become eligible the practice will be contacting patient, by text, to offer the opportunity to self-book an appointment or contact reception to arrange. Please check the ‘Eligibility poster‘ before contacting us as we are not allowed to vaccinate patients outside of the cohort.
Please note: for the safety of our staff and patients the practice decided to not contact patients during our Flu/Covid vaccination period. Therefore, the practice have only started contacting patients since week commencing 18th December 2023. If you believe you may have missed your vaccine invite, please contact reception.
For more information regarding Shinges visit: NHS Shingles Vaccination