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<p>From September 2023, the routine shingles vaccination programme changed from the
Zostavax vaccine to the more effective Shingrix vaccine, to better protect individuals
from the effects of shingles, provide better clinical outcomes and reduce pressures
on the health system. A phased expansion of the routine eligible cohort from people
aged 70 years old to those aged 60 years old also began in September 2023, as Shingrix
provides a substantially superior and longer duration of protection.</p><p>Uptake
is in line with where we expect it to be at this stage. Data from approximately 40%
of general practices across England showed that uptake of the first dose of Shingrix
in adults turning 65 years old in the first quarter of the programme roll-out was
25.1%. The data also showed that uptake of the first dose of Shingrix in adults turning
70 years old in the same period was 34.2%. This is comparable to uptake of Zostavax
in those aged 70 years old in the early part of the programme roll-out, and is anticipated
to increase over time.</p><p>Published data is cumulative and there is a time lag
because, whilst the data covers all eligible individuals that quarter, individuals
whose birthday is at the end of a quarter have far less time to receive the vaccine
than those at the beginning and may then be picked up in the next or subsequent quarters.
Individuals become eligible when they turn 65 or 70 years old but then remain eligible
until aged 80 years old and may not come forward or be called to receive the vaccine
immediately. This is accounted for in planning the programme and in relation to vaccine
supply.</p><p>With the new vaccine schedule, patients now need two doses of the shingles
vaccine. Ensuring patients receive both doses is vital to making sure patients receive
the full benefits. To ensure patients come in for their second dose, which is due
from six to 12 months following their first dose, NHS England is encouraging local
systems to let patients know when and where they will receive their second dose to
increase follow-through, send reminders, promote the programme and frame the overall
goal in terms of having maximum protection by receiving both doses. A consistent offer
and sustained communication to the public is key to achieving uptake of both first
and second dose to all those eligible in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination
and Immunisation’s advice.</p>
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