Big news for thousands across England! Starting September 1, the NHS is rolling out a vital new vaccine scheme. Are you or someone you know eligible for expanded shingles protection? This could be a game-changer for those most at risk, offering crucial protection against a debilitating illness. Find out who qualifies and why this update is so important!

A significant expansion of the national vaccination programme is set to commence next month, offering vital protection to hundreds of thousands of individuals across England. Starting September 1, a new scheme will broaden eligibility for the shingles vaccine, marking a crucial step in safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations against a potentially debilitating illness.

Approximately 300,000 more people will now be able to receive the life-saving shingles vaccine, as General Practitioners begin administering the jab to all severely immunosuppressed adults. This critical update means that individuals aged 18 and over with compromised immune systems will gain access to this essential protection, significantly reducing their risk of developing shingles and its severe complications.

Those newly eligible, including individuals aged 18 to 49 with a severely weakened immune system, can proactively arrange appointments for the shingles vaccine at their local GP surgery. Practices are expected to reach out to eligible individuals in the coming weeks, but early booking is encouraged for those keen to secure their protection swiftly.

This expanded eligibility encompasses a wide range of conditions, such as leukaemia or lymphoma, and individuals undergoing chemotherapy, all of whom face a heightened risk of serious illness if they contract shingles. The NHS had previously extended the shingles vaccination programme to include all over-50s with severely weakened immune systems, and this latest move builds upon that foundation to protect an even broader cohort.

Severely immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to severe illness and complications from shingles, making this vaccination a paramount public health measure. The vaccine, known as Shingrix, is currently offered to those aged 65 to 79 and severely immunocompromised people from 50 years of age, with the upcoming expansion ensuring comprehensive coverage for all at-risk adults.

The decision to extend eligibility to all severely immunocompromised adults stems from robust recommendations by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Their thorough review determined that the risk of hospitalisation from shingles or developing post-herpetic neuralgia was comparable in younger immunocompromised age groups to those already entitled to the vaccine, underscoring the urgent need for this broader protection.

Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, emphasized the vaccine’s importance, stating, “Shingles can be seriously debilitating for older people and those with a severely weakened immune system, so following the latest expert guidance, the NHS is now expanding the potentially lifesaving jab to all severely immunosuppressed adults.” She urged all newly eligible individuals to come forward for their protection promptly.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare. “Expanding shingles vaccination will protect even more people at greatest risk from this painful condition,” Dalton affirmed, encouraging all eligible individuals to receive their jab to safeguard their health against a severe and often painful disease.

Immunodeficiency UK Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh welcomed the widened age eligibility criteria, noting that it means “people most at risk will be able to have protection against the worst effects of having shingles and will help reduce the risk of being hospitalised from its complications.” NHS services were prepared for the rollout in July, ensuring Shingrix can be seamlessly administered alongside other seasonal and routine vaccines, including the flu jab, for comprehensive public health protection.