Some vaccines are free for specific groups
The shingles shot
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
‘This vaccination is now available from the age of 65,’ advises Dr Helen Wall, a GP partner based in the north-west of England. ‘Shingles in the elderly can be very severe, and cause postherpetic neuralgia – this means nerve damage from the shingles causes severe crippling pain on a daily basis.’
Flu fighter
‘There’s a lot of misunderstanding about flu, or influenza,’ says Dr Helen. ‘Because people use “flu” to describe a bad cold, they underestimate it. In the worst cases, it can lead to pneumonia, sepsis or death.’
She adds, ‘Eligibility for the flu vaccine changes each year. Currently it’s for those aged 65-plus or people with certain conditions like heart disease, asthma or weakened immunity. Carers and close contacts may also qualify. It's important to have it annually, because flu strains change – last year’s jab won’t protect you this year.’
Pneumococcal vaccine
‘This vaccine guards against serious bacterial infections, particularly pneumonia,’ says Dr Helen. ‘Pneumococcal pneumonia is a type of chest infection that affects the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. It can often leave people in critical care or even be fatal. People aged 65 and over are eligible.’
The RSV jab
‘The RSV vaccine was first introduced last September, it’s the new kid on the block,’ says Dr Helen. ‘It protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections can sometimes be serious for the very young and old. The vaccine is being rolled out to those who are pregnant or aged between 75 and 79.’
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