Older people urged to get immunised against shingles

The government has issued a reminder for older people who are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine to receive it as soon as possible.

Public Health England has made the call in response to new figures showing a drop in vaccine coverage, with 37.8 percent of 70-year-olds having been vaccinated between September and November 2015 – down by two percent from the same period the previous year.

There was also a 0.4 percentage point drop for the catch-up cohort of 78-year-olds, down from 38.6 percent to 38.2 percent. As such, the government is seeking to encourage more people to go and receive the jab.

Since September 1st 2015, the shingles vaccine has been offered to people aged 70 years on that date, while those who were eligible for immunisation in the first two years of the programme but have not yet been vaccinated remain eligible until their 80th birthday.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as chickenpox. The condition is characterised by the emergence of painful rashes.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: "It's worth taking the time and effort to visit your doctor to get the shingles vaccine, as it protects you against a painful condition."