Rash Resources

Shingles infection remains a risk in the UK for those who are immunocompetent or immunocompromised. One in five people in the UK will contract shingles in their lifetime and the risks of a more severe illness and longer term sequelae increase with age (NHS England, 2023). Uptake of the vaccine has been generally poor since it was first introduced in 2013–2014 (UK Health Security Agency [UKHSA], 2023a). Reasons for this may include an opinion that shingles is not severe, or a lack of information that a free vaccine is available, as well as poor accessibility and myths around the vaccine (Bricout et al, 2019). The change in the national immunisation programme for shingles from 1st September this year, with a more structured addition of additional groups up until 2030 and a good selection of vaccines and manageable intervals will hopefully help with this (UK Health Security Agency [UKHSA], 2023a).