In conjunction with NHS England and the Department, the eligibility criteria for this vaccine have been changed to make it easier for health care professionals (HCPS) to identify eligible patients. This change means that patients become eligible for the vaccine from their 70th and 78th birthdays (if not previously vaccinated) and can be offered the vaccine opportunistically all year round.

In support of this change, Public Health England has updated communication materials to both patients and HCPs to better illustrate eligible cohorts. This includes guidance for those in age groups with previous eligibility who have missed the opportunity to receive the vaccine, up to their 80th birthday.

NHS England has a focus on reducing variation in all Section 7a immunisation programmes and work with local teams to seek assurance that low uptake and variation are addressed, and to identify good practice that can be shared.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation recommend shingles vaccination for adults aged 70 years up to and including 79 years.

The programme started in 2013 for those aged 70 and 79 years. Eligibility has been extended with each year as determined by annual negotiations between the Department and NHS England on the capability of the National Health Service to provide additional immunisations, and the affordability of doing so. Shingles immunisation is currently available for those aged 70-74 years, some of those aged 75 years (those born after 1 September 1942) and 78–79 year olds. The remaining individuals aged between 75 to 77 years are expected to become eligible when they reach 78 years of age.

Medical professionals are able to apply their clinical discretion and offer immunisation to those who are not currently eligible but could benefit clinically, for example those with underlying health issues or a history of shingles. Shingles immunisation is also available privately.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation recommended shingles vaccination for adults aged 70 years up to and including 79 years. Shingles immunisation is currently offered to people aged 70 – 73 and 78 – 79 based on their age on 1 September 2016. Eligibility will be extended in the future to all those aged 70 – 79. The rate of the further extension of eligibility is determined by annual negotiations between the Department and NHS England taking into account factors such as the capability of the National Health Service to provide the additional immunisations, and the overall affordability of doing so.

Medical professionals are able to apply their clinical discretion and offer immunisation to anyone aged over 50 years who is not currently eligible but could benefit clinically, for example those with underlying health issues putting them at increased risk of shingles. Shingles immunisation is also available privately from a number of high street pharmacists and other providers.