'Protect yourselves': Shingles vaccination clinics to be held in Skegness
Residents in Skegness are being encouraged to protect themselves against shingles at two upcoming vaccination clinics.
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) health professionals say the NHS vaccine offers strong protection against both the illness itself and its long-term complications.
Shingles becomes more common and more severe with age but can also target those with severely weakened immune system.
The condition can cause an extremely painful rash and, in many cases, lead to post-herpetic neuralgia – a type of nerve pain which can last for months or even years after the rash has cleared.
Vaccine is offered free on the NHS to eligible groups, including:
- Adults who turned 65 on or after September 1, 2023
- Adults aged 70 to 79
- Adults aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Even those who have previously had shingles can still benefit from being vaccinated. The sessions will take place at Skegness Health Centre, Cecil Avenue, on Wednesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 11, between 10am and 3pm. Although people are encouraged to pre-book an appointment to help organisers plan vaccine numbers, there will also be a walk-in option available on the day.
To book an appointment, call 01522 301980. Further details about the clinics and eligibility will be shared on the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board Facebook page.