Are You Eligible for the Shingles Vaccine?
The eligibility criteria for the shingles vaccine have recently been expanded. This article explains who in Enfield is eligible and why vaccination is important.
What Is Shingles and Why Get Vaccinated?
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. It occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates due to a weakened immune system. While most people recover without complications, shingles can sometimes lead to serious issues, such as:
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (long-lasting pain after the rash disappears)
- Infection of the rash
- Scarring
- Muscle weakness
- Eye problems, which can result in sight loss
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (a rare condition affecting the facial nerve, causing facial weakness and sometimes hearing problems)
Who Is Eligible for the Vaccine?
- People aged 70–79
- All severely immunosuppressed individuals
Who Counts as Severely Immunosuppressed?
The criteria are complex but include:
- People with certain types of leukaemia
- Some individuals with immunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS
- Some people with specific types of lymphopenia
- Those who have received a stem cell transplant in the past 2 years
- People receiving or who have received immunosuppressive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or therapy for a solid organ transplant in the past 6 months
This list does not cover every condition. If you’re unsure, contact your GP for advice.
How do I get vaccinated?
Your GP surgery will contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email.
You can also book a vaccine by getting in touch with your GP.
Further Information
If you like more information, please click the links below:
