Who is at risk
of shingles?
There is a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing shingles.
“I’ve had chickenpox”
Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles as it's caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. In the UK, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 adults are infected with the chickenpox virus, and there is a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing shingles.
“I'm an adult aged 50 years of age or older”
The incidence of shingles increases with age, particularly in adults 50 years of age or older.
“I have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)”
Individuals may have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or the medicine(s) used to treat the condition. These individuals have an increased risk of developing shingles (compared to those who do not have weakened immune systems) and they are also more likely to suffer a severe case of shingles.
The Shingles National Immunisation Programme is a NHS vaccination programme to help protect against shingles.
Find out more and check eligibility
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.
- DH Green Book Ch 34. Varicella. 2019.
- Johnson R et al. Ther Adv Vaccines. 2015; Vol. 3(4): 109–120.