Older folk urged to get vaccinated against shingles

Older Buddies and people with low immune systems are being urged to get themselves vaccinated against shingles.

The call comes from Public Health Scotland which says the viral infection is especially prevalent in older people and can be particularly painful.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox which can become active again later in life. The vaccine helps build up immunity and reduces the risk of developing shingles by over 70 per cent.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been inviting all those currently eligible to come forward for the jab. Letters have been issued to those who were aged 65 or 70 on September 1, 2023; those aged 71 to 79 who are not yet vaccinated; those aged 50 or over and about to start immunosuppressive treatment; those aged 18 and over who have CAR-T therapy and those aged 18 and over who have received a stem-cell transplant.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, PHS’s head of immunisation and vaccination said: “Around 400 people aged 70 and over are hospitalised due to shingles related complications every year in Scotland.

“As well as reducing your risk of getting shingles, taking up the offer of the vaccine reduces your risk of experiencing long-term pain and being hospitalised.

“Public Health Scotland continues to work closely with all health boards to ensure as many people as possible receive their shingles vaccine and protect themselves from shingles and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, where nerve pain lasts for several months after the shingles rash has gone.”

More information on shingles and the shingles vaccine is available on NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot/shingles