Shingles vaccination scheme for older people launched

The government has announced the launch of a shingles vaccination programme to reduce the incidence and severity of the disease among older people.

People aged between 70 to 79 years are to be invited to get immunised against the nerve infection, which can cause painful rashes characterised by fluid-filled blisters and sores on the skin.

It is estimated that 800,000 people in the UK will be eligible for the vaccine in the first year, with a catch-up programme to be rolled out over the next few years.

The condition causes long-term health problems for around 14,000 people each year, but by receiving the vaccine, patients can cut their chances of developing shingles by more than one-third.

Health minister Lord Howe said: "This new vaccine can prevent some of the most serious cases, giving people the chance to live without the discomfort and pain that shingles causes."

This scheme comes in the same year that the government has also launched new flu and rotavirus vaccination programmes, in order to help protect the population from common conditions.