Millions eligible for free shingles vaccine urged to come forward

Fewer than half of adults are taking up their free shingles vaccine in the first year of being eligible, according to latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.

Figures published this week show that 42.1% of those turning age 66, who had been eligible since their 65th birthday, had received their first Shingrix dose by October 2025. Among those turning age 71 who have been eligible since turning 70, vaccine uptake coverage stands at 53.5%.

The Shingrix For All immunisation programme began on 1 September 2023. The programme offers 2 doses of the Shingrix vaccine to all immunocompetent individuals turning 65 or 70 and severely immunosuppressed individuals turning 18 and over.

Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. It can cause weeks of severe pain and long-term complications including nerve damage. 

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Once someone has recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and then can reactivate later in life and present as shingles because of decreased immunity – either with increasing age or immunosuppression.

You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox. But you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.

Shingles vaccine

A shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for:

• people who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023
• people aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated
• people aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system

The vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting shingles.

If you get shingles after being vaccinated, the symptoms can be much milder.

You can get shingles more than once, so it's important to get vaccinated even if you've had shingles before.

Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency’s Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, said:

Many of us will know someone who has suffered from shingles and spoken of just how painful it can be. Shingles can also have debilitating effects for months even after the rash has gone, and we know that 2 doses of this vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its serious complications.  

We understand people are busy, and it can be easy to put things off, but this is a vaccine that can make a real difference to your quality of life. If you are eligible and contacted by your GP, please don’t put it off — make that appointment.

Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccinations at NHS England, said: 

Shingles can be extremely dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. That’s why the NHS shingles vaccination programme was extended and now includes people turning 65 as well as those in their 70s and anyone aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system. 

Please check if you or a loved one has had their vaccine if they are eligible to help protect them from this painful and potentially serious condition.

What should I do if I think I have shingles?

Seek advice from a health professional if you think you have shingles. Although some people experience mild symptoms and may not need treatment, for others, shingles can be severe and will require antiviral medication.

Seek urgent medical advice if you're pregnant, if the rash affects your eyes or nose, if you have vision changes, if you have a severely weakened immune system, or if you or your child is 17 or younger.