Shingles vaccine - Eligibility and appointments
Even if you’ve already had shingles, you should still get the vaccine as it will reduce your risk of getting shingles again.
Who should have the vaccine?
Vaccine experts have advised that the shingles vaccine should be offered to people aged 60 and over. It will be carried out in phases over 10 years.
They have also advised that the vaccine is offered to people aged 18 and over who have very weakened immune systems.
This table shows who is eligible for a shingles vaccine from August 2025.
| Your age | Do you have a severely weakened immune system? | When you will have the shingles vaccine |
|---|---|---|
| 18 or over | Yes | On or after your 18th birthday. Your GP surgery should get in touch with you to make an appointment. |
| 65 or 70 | No | On or after your 65th or 70th birthday. Your GP surgery should get in touch with you to make an appointment. |
| 70 to 79 | No | If you have not already had a shingles vaccine, you are eligible. Book an appointment with your GP surgery. |
| 60 to 64 | No | You will be contacted when you turn 65. |
| 66 to 69 | No |
If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023 you will be contacted when you turn 70. If you turned 65 after 1 September 2023 you are still eligible. Contact your GP surgery for an appointment. |
For most eligible people, the shingles vaccine will be offered until they are 80. However, if you have a severely weakened immune system, you can be given the vaccine from when you turn 50 up to For most eligible people, the shingles vaccine will be offered until they are 80. However, if you have a very weakened immune system, you can be given the vaccine from when you turn 18 up to any age.
People with a very weakened immune system may include:
- those with certain cancers, such as leukaemia or lymphoma
- those taking certain medicines
- those taking a moderate to high dose of steroids, and
- those who have had an organ transplant.
If you have a very weakened immune system, there is no upper age limit for having the shingles vaccine. However, it is recommended that you have the vaccine as soon as you become eligible so that you are protected as early as possible.
If you are eligible, you should take up your offer of the shingles vaccination.
If you are eligible, you should take up your offer of the shingles vaccination.
Do I need the vaccine if I’ve had shingles before?
Yes. Even if you’ve already had shingles, you should still get the vaccine as it will reduce your risk of getting shingles again.
What about people who are outside these age groups?
Younger people will be offered the vaccine when they reach the eligible age.
You can get shingles at any age, but the risk, severity and complications increase as you get older. People with very weakened immune systems are at higher risk, which is why the vaccine is sometimes recommended at an earlier age.
Page last reviewed: 14th August 2025