More islanders are set to be offered the shingles vaccination this year in a bid to accelerate a seven-year catch-up programme.
Last year, Public Health lowered the eligibility age for the vaccination from 70 to 60.
This year, the shingles vaccination is available to those:
- turning 60 in 2025
- aged 68 to 79
- aged 50+ with a severely weakened immune system
Eligible islanders will need to contact their doctor’s surgery to get their vaccine.
Emma Baker, Health Protection Senior Nurse Advisor, said: “Around one in four adults will experience shingles in their lifetime.
“It can cause an extremely painful rash and complications, which for some, can be very serious.”
She explained that vaccination can “significantly reduce” the severity of pain from the virus, and reduce the chances of developing complications from shingles.
Ms Baker added: “I really encourage everyone who is eligible for the shingles vaccine to take up the offer.
“Shingles is largely preventable through vaccination, avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering.”
The primary symptom of shingles is a rash which develops into blisters that resemble chickenpox.
It tends to last for between two to four weeks, but can be worse the older you are.
Complications such as severe nerve pain which can arise from the virus may last for months or even years.
It is not possible to catch shingles from someone with the virus or someone who has chickenpox.
However, direct contact with shingles blisters can cause chickenpox in people who have not yet been infected.