It follows changes made in the UK last year
Manx Care is planning to roll out a new shingles vaccination programme on the Island in the coming weeks after changes were made in the UK last year.
The health department, Manx Care and Public Health have been looking at the required cost, resources and infrastructure needed for the Island to offer a vaccination programme in line with the latest recommendations from the JCVI.
In September last year, it was recommended the Shingrex vaccine be offered to all immunosuppressed individuals over 50 years of age, and all over 60s, to be implemented over a 10-year period starting with those aged 65 to 70.
Currently, the Isle of Man offers shingles vaccines to those over the age of 70, but now the health minister has confirmed plans to mobilise a refreshed vaccination programme are underway, and is expected to commence within weeks.
As shingles isn't a notifiable disease, the DHSC says it doesn't have a robust estimate of case numbers on the Isle of Man.
Manx Care says it needs to ensure vaccine availability and clarity over the patients the vaccine is to be offered to before the programme can commence.
As a result, it's asking patients not to contact GP practices until a further announcement is made, which will be no later than 21 June.