Key Summary
- Less than half of eligible adults have taken the free shingles vaccine, says UKHSA.
- Shingles can cause severe pain and long-term nerve damage.
- Eligible adults are urged to take the two-doses of Shingrix vaccine.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that less than half of eligible adults were taking the free shingles vaccine and urged more people to use the facility.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and can even lead to long-term complications including nerve damage.
The latest UKHSA figures show that only 42.1 per cent of the 65 and above adults and 53.5 per cent of adults above 70 have received their first dose of Shingrix vaccine.
The Shingrix for All immunisation programme offers two doses of the Shingrix vaccine to adults above 65 years as well as immunosuppressed young adults over 18 years.
The UKHSA has now invited adults over 80 years, who have missed their opportunity to get vaccinated, to come forward. They can book their slots through their GPs or via NHS.uk.
“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,” said Dr Julie Yeats, UKHSA’s deputy director for immunisation programmes.
She urged all those eligible to book for a vaccine at the earliest.
