Introduction of shingles vaccine for people aged 70 and 79 years

Guidance for healthcare professionals on the introduction of the shingles vaccine programme from 1st September 2013. Routine vaccination will be offered to people aged 70 years old to protect against shingles. A catch up campaign will be used for those aged 79 years.

To support this new vaccination programme, a new chapter on shingles, including clinical advice and information about the herpes zoster vaccine, has been included in Immunisation against Infectious Disease 2006 (the Green Book), see link below.

 

The new Green Book chapter states that it is recommended that vaccination be routinely offered to people aged 70 years but it can be given to individuals up until the eightieth birthday. The impact and cost effectiveness of vaccination is greatest in those aged 70 to 79 years of age. The effectiveness of the vaccine declines with age and so it is not recommended for people aged 80 years or older.