NHS Ayrshire & Arran vaccinators are currently offering shingles and pneumococcal vaccinations to eligible people.
Appointment details have been sent out to Ayrshire residents by post, inviting patients to attend local clinics taking place until 29 March 2025.
Shingles can be very painful and is more common among older people. 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 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.
The pneumococcal vaccination is being offered to people aged 65 years and over and those with certain health conditions. It helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“Clinics offering shingles and pneumococcal vaccinations to those eligible are already underway and we strongly advise everyone who is invited to take up the offer to attend.
“This programme is running until 29 March, so 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.
“Shingles can be very painful and is particularly serious for older people or those who are severely immunosuppressed. One in four adults develops shingles so it is important to take the vaccine when invited. Getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of being hospitalised or experiencing long-term pain from shingles if you do get it. You can get shingles more than once, so even if you’ve had the virus previously, you should still take up the offer of vaccination.
“Pneumococcal infection can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis as well as other conditions like severe ear infections. Again, unfortunately it is older people who have a higher chance of becoming unwell and suffering serious long-term health problems and the vaccination offers the best protection against this.
“Please look out for your appointment details which should arrive by post and attend as directed or follow the instructions on the letter to reschedule if required.”
ENDS
BACKGROUND
- For more on shingles vaccine visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/shingles
- For more on pneumococcal vaccine visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/pneumococcal-vaccine/
- Alternatively you can visit the NHS Ayrshire & Arran for information about the vaccines on offer for adults: https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/adult-vaccinations/
