CLINICS are set to take place across the Borders as the NHS launches its shingles vaccination programme.

The region's health board is offering free jags this winter to people who meet the eligibility criteria.

Clinics will take place at community locations across the Borders, with alternative arrangements being made for patients who are housebound or who live in residential, care or nursing homes.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, director of public health at NHS Borders, said: “Having the shingles vaccination is highly beneficial, as it can prevent you from getting shingles, or reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get it.

“As we get older, our immune systems have often been weakened by age, stress, illness, or certain medical treatments, so getting the shingles vaccine is particularly important in helping to boost your immunity to this viral condition.”

Shingles can be a very painful nerve and skin condition and is more common among older people, but even younger people can experience it.

It is caused by a virus called varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you recover from chickenpox most of this virus is destroyed, but some survives and lies inactive in your body’s nervous system. The virus can then become active again later in life, when your immune system has been weakened.

The following groups of people are eligible to receive a free shingles vaccination:

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

Those eligible for a shingles vaccination should have received a letter asking them to contact NHS Borders vaccination team to arrange an appointment.

If you have not already received a shingles vaccination and meet the eligibility criteria above, please call NHS Borders vaccination hub on 01896 809250 to make an appointment.