Get ready for your shingles vaccination
What is the Shingles National Immunisation Programme?
Vaccination to help protect against shingles is available for free to eligible individuals on the NHS. This programme is called the Shingles National Immunisation Programme.
Who is eligible for the free NHS shingles vaccination?
On the 1st of September 2023, the Shingles National Immunisation Programme changed, and more individuals are now eligible for a free shingles vaccination on the NHS.
You are eligible if you're:
- 50 years and over with a severely weakened immune system (severely immunocompromised).
Those aged 18-49 receiving a stem cell transplant may also be eligible. Speak to your specialist. - Turning 65 years old
You’ll be eligible from your 65th birthday (if your 65th birthday was on or after the 1st September 2023) - 70 - 79 years of age
Shingles vaccination eligibility checker
Enter your date of birth and requested information below to find out if you are currently eligible for shingles vaccination on the national immunisation programme.
What is your date of birth?
Do you identify with one or more of the following? [check box(es) which are applicable] :
Your Results
The result will be displayed here, indicating whether you are eligible for shingles vaccination on the national immunisation programme.
Eligibility Q&A
If you turned 65 before 1st September 2023, you'll be eligible for your free vaccination when you turn 70. However, if you turned 65 on or after 1st Sept 2023, then you are currently eligible.
If you are aged 66-69 you'll be eligible for your free vaccination when you turn 70.
You will become eligible on your 65th birthday. Your GP surgery should have systems in place to identify patients when they become eligible for shingles vaccination and should reach out to you.
If you’re 80 years or older you should have already received your shingles vaccination. If you haven’t received your vaccination, you are no longer eligible. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, contact your GP surgery to check.
If you’re 80 years old or older with a severely weakened immune system you may be eligible - find out more here
You can learn more about eligibility for individuals with a severely weakened immune system here.
You can also check this with your nurse, GP surgery or specialist doctor.
If you get any side effects following vaccination, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of medicines.
How do I get my shingles vaccination?
Once you become eligible your GP surgery should reach out to you and invite you for vaccination.
If you are eligible and worried that you may have missed your shingles vaccination, contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment.
Further resources
A selection of GSK resources which contain information about the National Immunisation Programme eligibility can be found here.
More information
If you’re still unsure about your eligibility or you want to learn more about shingles and the Shingles National Immunisation Programme, speak to your nurse or GP surgery.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects following vaccination, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet.
You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of medicines.
References
- DH Green Book Ch 28a. Shingles. 2024.