Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reasons the shingles vaccine is not available to people between the age of 73 and 77; and if the Government will make that vaccine available to those people.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation recommend shingles vaccination for adults aged 70 years up to and including 79 years.

The programme started in 2013 for those aged 70 and 79 years. Eligibility has been extended with each year as determined by annual negotiations between the Department and NHS England on the capability of the National Health Service to provide additional immunisations, and the affordability of doing so. Shingles immunisation is currently available for those aged 70-74 years, some of those aged 75 years (those born after 1 September 1942) and 78–79 year olds. The remaining individuals aged between 75 to 77 years are expected to become eligible when they reach 78 years of age.

Medical professionals are able to apply their clinical discretion and offer immunisation to those who are not currently eligible but could benefit clinically, for example those with underlying health issues or a history of shingles. Shingles immunisation is also available privately.