Shingles vaccine being offered to more islanders

According to the government, shingles virus is more common as people become older

More Jersey residents are set to be offered a shingles vaccination following a decision made by Public Health to lower the eligibility age, from 70 to 60.

According to the island's government, shingles virus is more common as people become older and around one in four adults will experience shingles in their lifetime.

The vaccination is now available to those in Jersey aged 50+ with a weakened immune system, turning 60 and 70 in 2024 and aged 70 to 79 who have not previously been vaccinated for shingles.

A catch-up programme has been designed to offer the vaccine to islanders born between 1955 and 1963.

Islanders born in these years will receive a letter to invite them for vaccination in line with the programme.

Emma Baker, health protection senior nurse advisor, said: "It’s fantastic that we are now able to offer the vaccine to islanders when they turn 60 instead of 70.

"The UK has allowed 10 years for their catch up, so I’m delighted that with the support of our GPs who deliver the vaccination here in Jersey, our catch-up programme will take seven years."