This January, NHS Ayrshire & Arran vaccinators are inviting older adults now eligible for shingles and pneumococcal vaccinations to come forward.
Appointment details have been sent out to Ayrshire residents by post, inviting patients to attend local clinics taking place until 29 March 2026.
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 2025,
- those aged 70 years old on 1 September 2025,
- anyone aged 71 to 79 years old as of 1 September 2025 (who has not attended previous invitations for shingles vaccination),
- 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 now getting underway once again and we strongly advise everyone who is invited to take up the offer to attend.
“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 that when you’re invited you come forward to get it. 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 before, 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 are more vulnerable to 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.”