The shingles vaccine helps reduce the risk of getting shingles and can reduce the symptoms if people do get it. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster). When you recover from chickenpox most of this virus is destroyed, but some survives and lies inactive in the body. It can then become active again in later life.

We are offering shingles vaccines and anyone eligible for a first or second dose should be receiving an appointment letter to attend one of our vaccination centres. If people cannot attend their appointments, information on alternative arrangements is included in the appointment letters.

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

Please see our week by week vaccination guide on this page.

For information about Covid and Flu vaccinations visit our dedicated Covid and Flu vaccinations page.