16,000 eligible people
The latest data from the local NHS shows that only 1 in 3 people aged over 65 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have had their shingles vaccinations.
The shingles vaccination helps reduce the chance of getting shingles and reduces the chance of getting serious problems if shingles is contracted. Anyone turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system will be invited by their GP surgery to book a shingles vaccination; two doses of the vaccination are needed for these groups of people.
However, latest local figures for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough show that:
- more than 9,000 people aged 65 have not yet completed their two shingles vaccinations
- only around 1 in 3 people aged 70 (approximately 7,000 people) have not had their first shingles vaccination
Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service Lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough said, “You might think that because you’ve had chickenpox then you have immunity from shingles, but this isn’t the case. When you get chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if your immune system is weakened.
“I’d really urge anyone who’s eligible to come forward and have this vaccination. It can prevent you from getting shingles or reduce the severity of the symptoms if you do get it.”
Shingles is an infection that causes a very painful rash. Usually, you get the shingles rash on your chest and stomach, but it can appear anywhere on your body including on your face and eyes. Shingles can cause complications for some people such as pain lasting for months after the initial rash has healed, the rash becoming infected, scarring or changes in skin colour after the rash has healed, muscle weakness or eye problems that can lead to sight loss.
Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email. However, if are in the eligible groups and have missed having the vaccine, contact your GP practice to book.