Public Health England notes that despite these very positive results, uptake of the vaccine has declined, with a 13% decline in people aged 70 since the start of the programme and an 8.4% decline in people aged 78 years since 2014. It is urging adults aged 70 and 78 to protect themselves by taking up the offer for vaccination from their GP or booking an appointment if they missed out, as shingles is a painful condition and can be especially debilitating for older people.
The researchers note that communication of the public health impact of this programme will be important to reverse the recent trend of declining vaccine coverage.