Residents on Arran eligible for shingles vaccinations are being invited to attend upcoming clinics on the island.
There will also be an opportunity for anyone eligible who is yet to have their winter vaccinations to do so on a drop-in basis.
The Isle of Arran clinics will take place at Ormidale Sports Pavilion, Brodick on the following dates:
- Saturday 24 February 2024, drop-in for winter vaccines 9am – 2.30pm
- Saturday 9 March 2024, drop-in for winter vaccines 9am – 2.30pm
Please note, you cannot drop-in for your shingles vaccination. If eligible you will receive a letter with details of your appointment details. If you are unable to attend, for example if you are housebound or if you are unwell before your vaccination please contact the team by telephone on 01563 826540 to make alternative arrangements.
Although shingles can occur at any age, the risk and severity of shingles and its complications increases with age and is also high in individuals who are severely immunosuppressed. The following groups are eligible for shingles vaccination:
- people aged 65 years or 70 years on 1 September 2023,
- people aged 71-79 years who have not previously been vaccinated,
- people aged 50 and over and are severely immunosuppressed,
- stem cell transplant recipients age 18 years and over, and
- people having or have had CAR-T therapy and are 18 years and over.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“Our mass vaccination teams looking forward to returning to Arran to offer shingles vaccinations and provide another opportunity to get COVID-19 booster and seasonal flu vaccinations this winter.
“Shingles 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.
“Eligible local people should look out for appointments arriving by post. For the vaccine to offer effective protection you need two doses, which are given at least two months apart. This means our teams will be back on the island later this year to invite everyone forward for their second dose to complete the course, so look out for details in the post or in local media.”
ENDS
BACKGROUND
- You’re eligible for the free shingles vaccine if you were aged 70 or 65 on 1 September 2023. This excludes people who were aged 66 to 69 on this date. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can use the age eligibility calculator to check.
- For more on shingles vaccine visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/shingles
- For more on winter vaccinations visit Winter vaccines | NHS inform