Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated and protect themselves from developing shingles.

The NHS Orkney Vaccination Team deliver this service at The Balfour for all Heilendi and Skerryvore patients. A visiting service is provided by the Vaccination Team to both Daisy Villa Medical Practice and Dounby Surgery. Patients will be invited by letter.

If you have missed your appointment or have any other queries please call the Vaccination Team on 0300 303 5313.

Please note Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries provide this service to their patients

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox which can become active again later in life.

The vaccine helps build up immunity and reduces the risk of developing shingles by over 70%. This is especially important for older people as the virus is more likely to become active again among them and can also be more painful.

Local health boards in Scotland have been inviting all those currently eligible by letter to come forward for their free shingles vaccination since January 2024 and include:

• People who were aged 65 or 70 on 1 September 2023
• 71-79 year olds not previously vaccinated
• Those aged 50 or over, about to start immunosuppressive therapy or with a severely weakened immune system
• Those aged 18 or over who have received a stem cell transplant
• Those aged 18 or over who have CAR-T therapy

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet said:

“Around 400 people aged 70 and over are hospitalised due to shingles related complications every year in Scotland. The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way of reducing the likelihood of getting shingles.

“ As well as reducing your risk of getting shingles, taking up the offer of the vaccine reduces your risk of experiencing long term pain and being hospitalised.  Public Health Scotland continues to work closely with all health boards to ensure as many people as possible receive their shingles vaccine and protect themselves from shingles and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, where nerve pain lasts for several months after the shingles rash has gone.”

The main symptom of shingles is pain followed by a rash. Speak to your local pharmacist if you think you have symptoms of shingles and are 18 years or older.

More information on shingles and the shingles vaccine is available on NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot/shingles