What is shingles?
Shingles is an infection caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It usually causes a painful rash. It can cause complications if not treated promptly.
What causes shingles?
Only people who have previously had chickenpox can get shingles. You cannot catch shingles from another person, but you can be infected with the chickenpox virus if you have not previously had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine.
Shingles vaccine
You are eligible for the shingles vaccine if:
- You turned 65 after 1st September 2023
- You are aged 70 to 79
- You are aged 50 + and have a severely weakened immune system
If you have not been contacted by the practice to receive your shingles vaccine, please do contact us.
Read more about shingles and the shingles vaccine on the NHS website.