The UK Health Security Agency has announced changes to shingles vaccination type and eligibility.
From 1 September 2023, all newly eligible individuals will be offered 2 doses of the non-live shingles vaccine Shingrix® instead of Zostavax®.
In addition, eligibility for immunocompromised and immunocompetent cohorts will change to allow individuals to be protected at an earlier age.
The routine offer will move from 70 to 60 years of age in 2 stages over a 10-year period (phased implementation), and from 1 September 2023 all immunocompromised individuals aged 50 years and over (with no upper age limit) will be eligible. Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of Shingrix® do not need re-vaccination.
UKHSA said that athough shingles can occur at any age, the risk and severity of shingles and its complications increases with age and is high in individuals who are immunosuppressed. It is important to ensure that those at greatest risk are vaccinated at an earlier age and this forms the basis of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations.
More from Shingles: guidance and vaccination programme, Shingles vaccination programme: changes from September 2023 letter and Shingles vaccination guide.
