Shingles vaccine programme available to elderly islanders

Thursday 03 August 2017

Islanders born in 1943, 1944 and 1945 are now eligible to receive a vaccine against shingles for the price of a GP consultation as part of a phased vaccine catch-up programme.

Almost 3,500 older islanders have received the vaccine since the programme was launched in September last year by the Preventive Programmes Team within the Health and Social Services Department (HSSD).

Over the past year, shingles vaccine has been made available to people aged 71 to 79, with the oldest being offered the vaccine first. HSSD says the uptake has been "good" and have now made the programme available to those born in 1943, 1944 and 1945.

Dr Linda Diggle, Head of Preventive Programmes said: “I’m really pleased that so many people in their seventies have taken the opportunity of protecting themselves from shingles by getting vaccinated. About one in every five people who had chickenpox when they were young go on to develop shingles later in life. Before the vaccine became available, each year around 80 to 90 people in Jersey aged over 70 years suffered with shingles. Shingles is often more painful for older people (even clothes brushing against the affected area can cause considerable pain). It’s also possible to get shingles more than once and shingles can be fatal in one in 1,000 cases."

Dr Diggle is urging anyone aged 70 to 79 to contact their surgery if they haven't been vaccinated, as the catch-up programme is nearing its end. "They have until the end of 2017 to take advantage of this service. There are a very small number of people for whom the vaccine may not be suitable – such as those with a weakened immune system through medication or treatment; anyone who is unsure should discuss this with their GP."

Islanders born between 1943 and 1945 should receive a letter from the Preventive Programmes Team advising that they are now eligible. They will only be charged for the cost of the GP consultation, as HSSD is funding the cost of the vaccine, which would amount to  over £100 if bought privately.

If anyone within the eligible age groups hasn't received their letter, Dr Dingle says it may mean that their contact details are not up to date and encourages people to contact their surgery as soon as possible.”

As well as the catch-up programme, there is a routine shingles vaccine programme offering vaccine to islanders during their 70th birthday year. During 2016 and 2017, Islanders born in 1946 and 1947 respectively have been eligible to receive the vaccine.