Lower age threshold for free shingles vaccine?

Manx Government yet to confirm if it's planning to follow UK

There's been no indication from the Isle of Man government as to whether it intends to follow England and Wales by reducing the age at which people can obtain free shingles vaccines.

It was dropped from 70 to 65 in the UK at the beginning of September. 

About one in five people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles; it can occur at any time although the risk, severity and complications from the condition all increase with age.

Each year around 14,000 people in England and Wales go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN, after shingles and more than 1,400 are admitted to hospital because of it.

Most people make a full recovery after a few weeks but for some the pain goes on for several months or even years. 

PHN causes severe burning, throbbing or stabbing nerve pain and the older you are, the more likely you are to have long-lasting pain.

The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of getting shingles and PHN.

A single vaccine costs the NHS around £170.

Manx Radio has contacted the government for comment.