Shingles jab eligibility age lowered through "catch-up" programme

Thursday 13 June 2024

Those eligible for the shingles vaccine are being urged to take advantage of a "catch-up" programme to help more islanders avoid "unnecessary pain and suffering".

A decision has been made by Public Health to lower the eligibility age for the vaccination, from 70 to 60.

Around one-in-four adults will experience shingles in their lifetime.

It is more common as people become older and can cause an extremely painful rash and potentially very serious health complications.

However, vaccination has been proven to provide effective protection from the virus, reducing the severity of the pain it can cause and reducing the chances of more serious problems.

Islanders born between 1955 and 1963 will receive a letter to invite them for vaccination in line with a "catch-up" programme.

Emma Baker, Health Protection Senior Nurse Advisor, said: “It’s fantastic that we are now able to offer the vaccine to Islanders when they turn 60 instead of 70. We have designed a programme to make sure that everyone aged between 61 and 69 in 2024 will also be offered the vaccine."

She continued: "The UK has allowed ten years for their catch up, so I’m delighted that with the support of our GPs who deliver the vaccination here in Jersey, our catch-up programme will take seven years.

“I really do recommend that anyone who is eligible for the shingles vaccine takes this offer. Shingles is largely preventable through vaccination, avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering. Please contact your GP surgery to book your appointment.”

Who is eligible?

The shingles vaccination is available to those:

• aged 50+ with a weakened immune system

• turning 60 and 70 in 2024

• aged 70 to 79 who have not previously been vaccinated for shingles