I’ve just had my first shingles vaccination today, with excellent service from the practice nurse at Priors Field GP practice in Sutton.
It’s the first in a course of two, with the second due in eight weeks. Older patients who had their shingles vaccination more than a couple of years ago will have had just one injection, with a live vaccine called Zostavax. But because that was not usable for immuno-compromised people, it’s been replaced for everyone with a two-part course of a non-live vaccine called Shingrix.
On 1 September 2023, the Shingles National Immunisation Programme changed, and more people are now eligible for free shingles vaccination on the NHS. You are now eligible if you’re:
- 50 years and over with a severely weakened immune system (severely immunocompromised)—those aged 18-49 receiving a stem cell transplant may also be eligible (speak to your specialist).
- Turning 65 years old—you’ll be eligible from your 65th birthday.
- 70-79 years of age.
Check your eligibility at https://www.getshinglesready.co.uk/ and contact your GP practice if you meet the criteria.
While I was there, the practice nurse also told me I was eligible for a pneumonia vaccination, and recommended I had it, which I did, in the other arm.
This is a single injection which helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It’s recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over.
Check your eligibility at https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccine/ and again contact your GP practice if you meet the criteria.