Shingles warning: millions eligible for vaccine against 'debilitating infection' urged to come forward
Fewer than half of those eligible have had the shingles vaccine 💉
- Those eligible for the shingles vaccine are being urged to come forward.
- Shingles causes a painful rash and can cause long-term complications.
- Latest figures show that fewer than half of those eligible have had the shingles vaccine.
Millions eligible for the shingles vaccine are being urged to come forward after the latest figures reveal that fewer than half have taken up the jab.
Shingles is an infection that is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The symptoms include a painful rash, and the infection can lead to long-term complications, including nerve damage.
The latest figures from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) show that 42.1% of those turning age 66, who had been eligible since their 65th birthday, had received their first dose of the shingles vaccine by October 2025. Among those turning age 71 who have been eligible since turning 70, vaccine uptake coverage stands at 53.5%.
Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency’s Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, said: “Many of us will know someone who has suffered from shingles and spoken of just how painful it can be. 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.
“We understand people are busy, and it can be easy to put things off, but this is a vaccine that can make a real difference to your quality of life. If you are eligible and contacted by your GP, please don’t put it off — make that appointment.”
What is shingles?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. After you catch chickenpox, the virus will lie dormant in your body, with Shingles usually occurring decades after the initial chickenpox infection.
You can't get shingles if you've never had chickenpox; however, if you have shingles, you can pass chickenpox onto someone who has never had chickenpox.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Shingles symptoms first appear as a headache, feeling generally unwell and a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin. A painful rash often appears a few days later, appearing on the chest or stomach, but it can appear anywhere on your body.
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is available all year round, with all older adults eligible when they turn age 65 or 70. It is also available to all severely immunosuppressed people aged 18 years and over.
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. Find out if you are eligible for the shingles vaccine at NHS.UK.