SHINGLES VACCINE UPDATE
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash.
in your body and can reactivate years later as shingles.
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One in four adults in Scotland develop shingles and one in five people with shingles go on to develop longer-lasting pain. Every year around 400 people aged 70 and over will be hospitalised in Scotland due to shingles and related complications.
Symptoms The first sign of shingles is often a tingling or burning sensation on one side of your body or face. This is usually followed by a red, painful rash that develops into clusters of fluid-filled blisters. The rash can be quite itchy and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
Shingles typically affects a specific area or "dermatome" of the body and is most commonly
t is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus remains
found as a belt-like stripe on one side of the torso. However, it can appear on any part of the body, including the face and eyes.
Treatment While there is no cure for shingles, early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Physicians often prescribe antiviral medications like acyclovir to help speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of complications. Pain relief medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription-strength drugs, can alleviate the discomfort associated with shingles.
Prevention The most effective way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles by 97% and the risk of long-term pain from shingles.
From September 2023, the Shingrix vaccine will be used. The vaccine is delivered in two doses and those eligible will be offered their second dose two to twelve months after their first dose.
Eligibility If you are currently aged 66 to 69 years, you won’t be eligible for the vaccine until you turn 70. You are eligible for the free shingles vaccine if, on 1 September 2023, you: • were aged 65 or 70. • are aged 71-79 (and have not previously had the vaccine).
• are about to start immunosuppressive therapy or have a severely weakened immune system and are aged 50 or over.
• have received a stem cell transplant or are having / have had CAR-T therapy and are aged 18 or over.
In 2028, the shingles vaccine will also be offered to everyone aged 60. This offer is being phased in to ensure that NHS Scotland can deliver the shingles vaccine effectively alongside other immunisation programmes.
For more information see:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy- living/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-vaccine/
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THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT SHINGLES IS THROUGH VACCINATION
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