Shingles vaccine uptake shows improvement

The number of elderly patients vaccinated against shingles has seen a steady increase since the launch of a government vaccination programme in September 2013.

Data from Public Health England has revealed that in the first eight months since its launch, 54.8 percent of 70-year-olds and 53.1 percent of 79-year-olds have been vaccinated. This is an increase of 8.2 percent for the former age group and 7.6 percent for the latter, compared to previously-published preliminary data up to the end of January 2014.

The scheme incorporates routine vaccinations for those aged 70 years and a catch-up campaign targeted at 79-year-olds. It is an annual programme and eligible patients have until August 31st 2014 to be vaccinated.

Although the vaccine supply was subject to temporary limitations between September and December last year, these problems have been fully resolved without impacting the overall targets.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: "We are pleased with the coverage of the new shingles immunisation programme and that the number of those receiving the vaccine is continuing to increase."

Shingles is an infection that causes a skin rash that can be itchy and painful in the long term. It is estimated that three in every 1,000 people get shingles in the UK every year.