Fewer older people getting shingles jab, says NHS

Latest data from the NHS shows that only one in three people aged over 65 have had their shingles vaccinations in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The vaccination helps prevent the chance of getting shingles and reduces the chance of getting serious problems if shingles is contracted.

Latest figures showed that more than 9,000 over-65s have not yet completed their two shingles vaccinations in the county.

Statistics also showed only one in three 70-year-olds, which is about 7,000 people, had not had their first shingles vaccination.

The health service found that about 16,000 people were eligible for the vaccination.

Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: "You might think that because you've had chickenpox then you have immunity from shingles, but this isn't the case.

"When you get chickenpox, the virus stays in the body.

"It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if your immune system is weakened.

"I'd really urge anyone who's eligible to come forward and have this vaccination. It can prevent you from getting shingles or reduce the severity of the symptoms if you do get it."

An NHS spokesperson said: "Anyone turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system will be invited by their GP surgery to book a shingles vaccination; two doses of the vaccination are needed for these groups of people."

Shingles is an infection that causes a very painful rash.

It can show up on your chest and stomach but could appear anywhere on your body including the face and eyes.

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