- Three million people cannot receive Shingrix vaccine due to limited supplies
An older people’s campaign group has reported the NHS to the equality watchdog over its “discriminatory” shingles vaccination campaign.
The crucial vaccine, which greatly reduces the chances of developing this extremely painful viral skin disease, is offered to everyone when they turn 65, as well as those who are between 70 and 80 years old.
However, three million people between the ages of 66 and 69 cannot receive the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix. This is due to supply shortages, which has caused government advisors to prioritize certain age groups.
But campaign group Silver Voices has branded the decision “age discrimination” because research shows people aged 66 to 69 are at the same risk of developing shingles.
Earlier this month, the group lodged an official complaint with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which could force the NHS to expand its shingles vaccination rollout.
Three million people ages 66 to 69 are unable to receive Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, due to supply shortages.
More than 50,000 elderly Britons develop shingles each year, and almost one in four will suffer from it in their lifetime. The condition is related to chickenpox, a highly contagious infection that causes blotchy, itchy rashes, usually in children.
The virus that causes it (varicella zoster) remains in the body for life, dormant in the spinal nerves, but as the immune system weakens with age it can reactivate, causing a red rash of blisters that can be unbearably painful.
The NHS announced in September that it would start offering the new Shingrix vaccine, which is 90 per cent effective. The previous vaccine, called Zostavax, reduced the risk of shingles by 50 percent.
The NHS said last September it would start offering the Shingrix vaccine, which is 90 per cent effective against the disease.
“The NHS should not deny a service based on age unless there is evidence that it is a reasonable approach,” says Dennis Reed of Silver Voices.
‘There is no academic research to support this ridiculous decision. If you are at risk for shingles at age 65, you are also at risk at age 66.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the program was “in line with independent expert advice” and added: “From September 2023, almost a million more people became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.” Herpes zoster”.
