Vaccination jab at 70 will ward off shingles across the UK

• United kingdom-wide vaccination programme against shingles
• Jab open to individuals aged 70 and aged 79

By Dr Betty Cannon

Released: 21:00 GMT, 7 September 2013

This month sees the launch from the United kingdom shingles vaccination programme for that seniors. All grown ups aged 70 and individuals aged 79 is going to be offered a jab.

This is ideal for anybody susceptible to this painful condition which affects 1 in 5 grown ups.

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is definitely an infection of the nerve and also the section of skin around it. Around 800,000 individuals will be qualified for that vaccine.

Protected: The United kingdom-wide vaccination programme is placed to safeguard seniors against shingles

Exactly why is the vaccine only on offer to individuals aged 70 or 79?

It’s a catch-up programme. Every year, all individuals who're 70 and all sorts of individuals who're 79 is going to be vaccinated. It's the fastest and many cost-effective way to get probably the most at-risk people vaccinated. After nine years, it’ll you need to be provided to people once they achieve 70. More...

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So why do people get shingles?

Anybody that has had chickenpox could possibly get shingles. Herpes lies inactive inside your nerve cells for existence. Shingles is really a reactivation of the chickenpox virus which seems like a painful, sore rash.

Can anybody get shingles?

It affects 20 percent of people and it is most typical in grown ups. It will get you when you’re lower as well as your defense mechanisms is weak.

The shot is going to be readily available for males and ladies aged 70 and aged 79

How do i opt in to the vaccination?

Your GP will offer you just one jab within the arm.

If it’s only a rash, exactly why is the vaccine necessary?

Shingles is extremely painful and results in great suffering. As the rash usually lasts 2 to 3 days, people frequently have permanent discomfort in the rash. This neuralgia is debilitating and tough to treat. One out of 1,000 quickly 70 will die from shingles.

Can you will find the jab if you’ve had shingles?

Yes. After you have had shingles you're in a greater risk than usual of setting it up again. The vaccine can make a repeated attack not as likely.

Are you able to obtain the vaccine if you're under 70?

It's licensed for that over 50s and you may obtain the jab independently. For those who have a clinical condition that puts you at greater chance of shingles, talk with your physician about whether it's worthwhile.