According to a press release from the Department of Health, a shingles vaccination programme for people aged 70-79 years has moved a step closer. 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that the vaccine should be offered to this age group if it can be bought at a price which makes the programme cost-effective.  This recommendation is covered by provisions in the NHS Constitution which mean that if the JCVI recommends a vaccine programme based on an assessment of cost-effectiveness, patients have the right to receive the vaccine on the NHS.  Minutes of JCVI’s last meeting and the Committee’s short statement on this matter can be found at the link below.

The press release notes that up to 4 million people currently aged 70-79 in England would benefit from the introduction of the programme.  A procurement programme will now be undertaken to determine whether shingles vaccine can be procured at a price which would make the vaccination programme cost-effective.