SHINGLES is a debilitating condition, which occurs more frequently and tends to be more severe in older people. It is estimated that around 250,000 people are affected in England and Wales each year including 30,000 people in their 70s. Around one in 1,000 people over 70 who get shingles dies of the infection.
The vaccine effectiveness diminishes with age and so it is not recommended for people aged 80 years or older.
Patients are eligible for the SHINGLES vaccination when they reach the age of 70.
If you are not sure if you are eligible for a shingles vaccine then put your date of birth into the NHS Direct Wales eligibility checker at http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/s/article/shingles/