Pneumococcal
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. The Pneumoccocal vaccine (PPV23) is offered to all adults aged 65 and over and those with certain health conditions.
Shingles
The shingles vaccination can reduce your risk of developing the illness, as well as lower the chance of experiencing long-term pain or hospitalisation for those who do get it. Eligibility for this vaccine depends on age and whether you have certain health conditions. The following people are being offered a vaccine at the moment:
- those aged 18 years and older with an eligible health condition.
- those aged 65 years old on 1 September 2024,
- those aged 70 years old on 1 September 2024,
- anyone aged 71 to 79 years old as of 1 September 2024 (who has not attended previous invitations for shingles vaccination),
- those aged 50 years and over and are severely immunosuppressed (no upper age limit) and have not yet received a vaccine, and
- those aged 18 years and older with an eligible health condition.
Appointment details have been sent out to Ayrshire residents by post, inviting patients to attend local clinics taking place until 29 March 2025.
This programme is running until 29 March, anyone who received an invitation last year for shingles vaccine but was unable to attend, can rebook their appointment during this time. To do so simply follow the instructions on your letter or call 01563 826540 to make arrangements.
Other vaccinations
In some circumstances patients will require other vaccines or repeated courses of vaccines if for example they have undergone or about to undergo a transplant, chemotherapy or have been exposed to blood borne virus. These vaccinations will be arranged via your consultant or GP practice.