Licensed from age 50 (from 18 with a severely weakened immune system). Free on the NHS when you turn 65, for those aged 70 to 79, and from 18 if severely immunosuppressed.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 28aNon-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Shingles is a painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can cause long-lasting nerve pain. Shingrix is a two-dose, non-live vaccine that gives strong protection for at least ten years. Many people in their 50s and early 60s choose to have it privately before they qualify on the NHS.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed for this age group.
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered.
2 to 17 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed for this age group.
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered.
18 to 49 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Only if you have a severely weakened immune system, on clinician assessment
On the NHSFree for some
Free from age 18 if you have a severely weakened immune system. Not otherwise offered in this age band.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Licensed from 50, two doses 2 to 6 months apart
On the NHSFree for some
Free if you have a severely weakened immune system. Otherwise pay privately until you turn 65.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Two doses 2 to 6 months apart
On the NHSFree for some
Free on the NHS when you turn 65 (for anyone turning 65 from September 2023), and for everyone aged 70 to 79 who has not yet had it, until your 80th birthday. People aged 80 and over can have it privately.
Recommended for
Everyone aged 50 and over who wants to reduce their risk of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia
Adults aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
People who have already had shingles and want to avoid a recurrence (usually after waiting for the episode to settle)
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction to Shingrix or one of its ingredients
If you currently have shingles, vaccination is postponed until the rash has cleared
Pregnancy (postponed until after the birth)
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Herpes zoster (shingles) — a painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus causing a blistering rash and, in some cases, long-term nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia).
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When to have it
At any time — ideally before age 70 if paying privately
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How long it lasts
Long-term — studies show significant protection for at least 10 years
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Sore arm, redness at injection site, mild headache, or fatigue. Usually mild and short-lived.
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Good to know
The Shingrix vaccine (2-dose course) is significantly more effective than the older Zostavax single-dose vaccine.
Common questions
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix): your questions answered
Can I get the shingles vaccine at 55 or 60?
Yes. Shingrix is licensed from age 50, so anyone aged 50 and over can have it privately. The NHS offers it free when you turn 65, to everyone aged 70 to 79, and from 18 if you have a severely weakened immune system.
Do I need the vaccine if I have already had shingles?
You can still benefit. Shingles can recur, and the vaccine reduces that risk. Clinicians usually advise waiting until the current episode has fully settled.
How many doses of Shingrix do I need?
Two doses. On the NHS they are given 6 to 12 months apart, or 8 weeks to 6 months apart if you have a weakened immune system. Privately, the licence allows the second dose from 2 months after the first.
Is Shingrix the same as the old Zostavax vaccine?
No. Zostavax was a single-dose live vaccine and is no longer used in the UK. Shingrix is non-live, given as two doses, and is significantly more effective, especially in older adults.
Why is the NHS age 65 when the vaccine is licensed from 50?
The NHS programme prioritises the ages at which shingles causes the most serious illness and where the programme is most cost-effective. The licence reflects the ages at which the vaccine is proven safe and effective, which is why it is available privately from 50.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.