From 1 September 2025, more people will be eligible for the shingles vaccine

Shingles is a painful viral infection. It cannot be caught from other people. Instead, it develops in people who have previously been infected with chickenpox over their lifetime.

At least nine in 10 adults are already infected with the virus that causes shingles, having had chickenpox as children, and around one in four people will go on to develop shingles in their lifetime – the risk of this increases with age.

Some cases can result in serious symptoms such as blindness, hearing loss, nerve pain and potentially death, however the vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of people developing shingles and experiencing nasty symptoms.

Until now the shingles vaccine has only be available to those over 50 with a weakened immune system, along with those over 65 in the general population. From 1 September 2025:

• Anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and over 18 will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine. The official ‘Green Book’ on vaccines (page 7) states that this group includes those on biologic therapies such as anti TNF, anti IL-17A and JAK inhibitors. It also refers to high dose corticosteroids and specific doses of methotrexate.
• Those turning 65 and 70 will also be able to get the vaccine after their birthday. Patients will be contacted by their GP practice when they become eligible.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:

“Expanding shingles vaccination will protect even more people at greatest risk from this painful condition. This government is committed to preventive healthcare and ensuring those who are most vulnerable receive the protection they need. I encourage all those eligible for the vaccine to come forward for their jab”.

Those in the category of being immunosuppressed will be offered 2 doses of the non-live shingles vaccine, Shingrix®, with the second dose given 8 weeks to 6 months after the first dose. Your GP surgery should contact you but do ask about it if not. The vaccine can be given alongside your COVID and / or annual flu vaccine.

A JCVI report estimates that prior to the introduction of a shingles vaccination programme in 2013, there were over 4,500 hospital admissions per year due to shingles, most of which could have been prevented through vaccination. Within the first 3 years of the vaccination programme, there were an estimated 17,000 fewer episodes of shingles and 3,300 fewer episodes of post-herpetic neuralgia among the eligible population.