Why you may have to wait for your shingles vaccine
Published 20 September 2023
Applies to England
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Shingles vaccination programme
From 1 September 2023, the vaccine programme is being offered to healthy people turning 65 or 70 years on, or after, that date.
The roll out will continue at these ages until all those aged 65 years in 2023 have turned 70 and been offered vaccination (in 2028).
In 2028, the vaccine offer will also be extended to those turning 60, as well as those turning 65.
In 2033, the Shingrix shingles vaccine will become a routine offer at age 60 (by which time all those turning 65 years will have already been offered the vaccine). Once you have become eligible, you will remain eligible for the shingles vaccine until your 80th birthday.
Eligibility
You can view or download information on the eligibility for the programme.
People aged 50 years and over with a severely weakened immune system
If you have a severely weakened immune system and are over 50, you remain eligible and there is no upper age limit.
Individuals aged 65 years who are not eligible for the vaccine this year
Anyone whose 65th birthday occurred before 31 August 2023 will not be eligible until they turn 70. You will be invited by your GP practice to have the vaccine.
Eventually the vaccine will be offered to everyone over 60 but this is being phased in to make sure the NHS can deliver this programme effectively alongside other seasonal and routine vaccination programmes and other healthcare priorities.
The roll-out is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). When any vaccination programme is introduced, difficult decisions need to be made on who will be eligible first and in what order they should be offered the vaccine. These decisions are based on a combination of factors including the risk of the disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine in different age groups, vaccine supply and the capacity of the NHS to deliver the programme alongside other important healthcare priorities.
Eligibility if you turn 65 in 2024
You will be eligible to have your shingles vaccine once you turn 65. Your GP practice will invite you.
Individuals aged 66 to 69 years
Individuals aged 66 to 69 years will have to wait until they become 70 to receive shingles vaccine.
Programmes that initially require vaccination of a large number of people are complicated to deliver. The order of the rollout is based on the advice of the JCVI who advised that the shingles vaccination programme could be implemented in stages. It is expected that a phased rollout will be more effective than a one-off campaign to reach everyone eligible. ## Why you need 2 doses of Shingrix vaccine
Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, and you will need 2 doses to give you the best longer-lasting protection.
For most people the second dose of Shingrix will be offered from 6 to 12 months after the first dose. If you have a severely weakened immune system your second dose of Shingrix should be given earlier, but at least 8 weeks after dose one. Your GP practice will let you know when to book for the second dose.
Missing your shingles vaccine
If you missed your first dose of shingles vaccine
You can still have your shingles vaccine if you are in an eligible age group.
If you missed your second dose of vaccine
You can still have your shingles vaccine, you should contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment for your second dose.
If you are over 80 and have a severely weakened immune system and you missed your vaccine
You can still have your shingles vaccine. Anyone aged 50 and above with a severely weakened immune system can have the shingles vaccines. You should try to have it as soon as possible.
Shingles vaccine given with other vaccinations
You can have your shingles vaccine at the same time as your COVID-19, flu or pneumococcal vaccine. Don’t delay vaccination, have your vaccines as soon as you are invited by your GP practice.
Paying for the shingles vaccine privately
The Shingrix vaccine is available at cost from private vaccination clinics to anyone aged 50 years and over.
Further information
Guide to the shingles vaccination leaflet.
Shingrix vaccine patient leaflet – given as 2 doses.