From today almost a million more people (900,000) will become
eligible for a shingles vaccination, on the same day that the HPV
vaccine moves to a single dose for under 25s.
The NHS has updated two of its life-saving vaccination
programmes, following the latest advice by the Joint Committee on
Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which will make it easier
for people to get protected, especially those who are more
vulnerable.
The shingles vaccination programme has today been expanded to
protect more people at an earlier age. Those newly-eligible for a
shingles vaccine include all those turning 65 and
70 from 1 September 2023 and those aged 50 and over who have
a severely weakened immune system. They will be invited to book
an appointment with their GP surgery. Those aged 70-79 remain
eligible for the vaccine.
One in five people will go on to develop shingles in their
lifetime and symptoms of the disease can include blindness,
hearing loss, nerve pain and in some cases, death. Shingles can
occur at any age, but the risk and severity of shingles increases
with age and complications are higher in individuals who have
severely weakened immune systems and those who are older.
In the first five years after a shingles vaccine was introduced
in England in 2013, there were 45,000 fewer GP consultations and
1,840 fewer hospitalisations for shingles and post-herpetic
neuralgia, showing the overall impact of the programme in
protecting the public while freeing up NHS capacity.
Also, from today, under 25s will now only need one dose of the
HPV vaccine instead of two, making it easier and more convenient
for young people to get protected.
The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV related cancers
from developing in boys and girls. While most types of HPV
are harmless, some high-risk types can lead to the development of
cancers, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck
(mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital areas.
The expert advice from the JCVI was that one dose is just as
effective at preventing HPV-related cancers as two doses in those
aged under 25. The move aims to make it more convenient for
people to ensure they are protected and up to date with their
vaccinations.
One dose of the vaccine will now be offered to those in year 8
(aged 12 or 13 years) via the school aged immunisation service.
Children will be able to get their vaccine either in school or at
a community clinic.
Those eligible aged under 25 that have already received one dose
of the vaccine by September 2023 will be considered fully
vaccinated – and those who missed out on their one dose HPV
vaccine can catch up until their 25th birthday via their GP
practice.
One dose of the HPV vaccine will also be offered to eligible gay,
bisexual, and other men who have sex with men that are aged under
25 through sexual health clinics.
Eligible gay and bisexual men aged 25 to 45 years will
continue to receive two doses of the vaccine and those who are
immunosuppressed or known to be HIV-positive will continue to
receive three doses.
To date, the NHS HPV vaccination programme has helped to
drastically reduce HPV infections and the rate of cervical cancer
with studies suggesting that the HPV programme has prevented
around 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers.
The HPV vaccination programme is considered to be one of the most
successful in the world, with high uptake and millions of doses
given since its launch in 2008. When combined with cervical
screening, the HPV vaccine has the potential to eliminate
cervical cancer completely.
A Lancet study also found cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in
young women who had been eligible for a HPV vaccine compared to
young women who were born earlier and did not receive the jab.
Steve Russell, National Director of Vaccinations and
Screening at NHS England, said: “Making these vital
changes to two life-saving NHS vaccination programmes will help
protect millions of people, prevent disease, and ultimately save
lives.
“These measures have the backing of the country’s leading medical
experts who continually look for ways to update our programmes
and ensure those who need it are offered the best protection
against serious illnesses.
“If you are eligible and have a chance to receive one of these
vaccines, please do not ignore it – these vaccines continue to
save lives so please take up the opportunity when you can.”
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health
Security Agency, said: “Shingles is an extremely
painful condition and complications can be long-lasting. Older
people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly
vulnerable so I’d encourage all those newly eligible from today
to come forward.
“With the HPV vaccine, a move to one dose for most of those
eligible will make it quicker and easier to get protected. Latest
evidence shows that one dose provides just as robust protection
as two, so young people can be confident they are protected
against the risks, including cancers, that the HPV virus poses.”
