Shingles vaccine

Changes to the shingles vaccination programme were made following recommendations by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The changes see an expansion to younger age groups and the introduction of the non-live Shingrix vaccine for the whole programme. 

Since September 2021, Shingrix has been available to immunocompromised individuals aged 70 to 79 years, who are contraindicated to receive Zostavax as part of the NHS shingles vaccination programme. Eligibility has now been expanded to all immunocompromised individuals aged 50 years and over (with no upper age limit).

The JCVI says the changes will protect individuals, particularly those with a weakened immune system, at an earlier age to prevent more shingles cases. The risk of contracting shingles increases with age and this goes hand-in-hand with an increased severity of the disease and its complications. This is further increased in those who are immunocompromised.

Those cohorts previously eligible for Zostavax who are under 80 years of age should continue to be offered this vaccine until central stocks deplete, after which they should be given Shingrix. Individuals who have received Zostavax previously should not be revaccinated with Shingrix.

Shingrix will require a two-dose schedule for all cohorts, with the dosing interval different for immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.