IN MY OPINION ... HOPE FOR NEW SHINGLES JAB

I REJOICED when a vaccine to prevent shingles (Zostavax) became available a few years ago, but it’s frustrating — to say the least — that the Government has rationed its use as a cost-saving measure.

Shingles is a painful, disabling and potentially lethal condition. The main complication is a burning sensation at the site of a rash, with symptoms lasting months or even years. Zostavax reduces its incidence by 51 per cent, and even if a vaccinated patient goes on to develop shingles, the attack is less severe and the incidence of neuralgia (nerve pain) is reduced to 67 per cent — so there are considerable advantages to having it.

The vaccine is licensed for use on those aged over 50, one in four of whom will develop shingles. However, the NHS offers the injection only to people aged over 70, leaving many to suffer unnecessary pain and disability.

Now there is a new, even more effective vaccine, Shingrix, which is already licensed in the U.S. It is 97 per cent effective in those over the age of 50 and 89.8 per cent effective in patients over the age of 70.

We need to hope that the new vaccine becomes available here in the UK before long — and without restriction.