Local people aged 78 and 79 have started to receive appointments for their shingles vaccine.

This vaccine was previously provided by GP practices. However, changes to the national GP contract sees this move to the responsibility of NHS Lanarkshire. This change is happening across all Scottish health boards.

Tobias Tipper, General Manager for NHS Lanarkshire’s Vaccination Programme, said: “Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and it can lie inactive after you recover from chickenpox. The virus can become active again in later life when you have a weakened immune system due to age, stress or other illnesses.

“The shingles vaccine helps reduce the risk of catching shingles and, if you do develop it, the vaccine reduces how serious the symptoms will be. Getting your vaccine, when invited, is the best way to help protect yourself against shingles. The vaccine is given as a single dose in the upper arm.”

People who are eligible will receive a letter with details of their vaccination appointment. Details of alternative arrangements will be included in the letter in case the appointment is not suitable.

Appointments will be held in our vaccination centres, set up for delivering the covid-19 vaccine.

All people aged 70 to 79 are eligible for the shingles vaccine and people aged 78 and 79 are the first to be invited. The wider roll-out for people aged 70 to 77 will take place from January 2023 after the covid-19 booster and flu vaccination programmes have finished.

There’s no need to contact your GP practice, as you will be contacted directly with details of your appointment.

For more information on the shingles vaccine, visit www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-vaccine