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Not qualifying for the Shingles Vaccine

Posted By tucanasz76

"Not qualifying for the Shingles Vaccine"

About: GPs in Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust / Exeter Vaccination Centre

(as a service user),

I've seen the advert about the Shingles Vaccination.  Why is it that if you turned 65 on 1st September 2023 you are eligible but I am nearly 70 and I don't qualify! Apparently I've got to wait until I'm 70 and also wait for an official invite. Now I've had Shingles twice and it is beggars belief that I haven't been able to get it before now! I guess it's all down to funds/money. I also see I'm not eligible for the Autumn Covid jab, the age group has been changed. And I also have not had my usual yearly MOT at my Dr's surgery, cutbacks I guess.

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Responses

Response from Lisa Townsend, Patient Experience Feedback Lead, Patient Experience Team, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust last week
Lisa Townsend
Patient Experience Feedback Lead, Patient Experience Team,
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

I take patient feedback and work with all departments at Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Trust to implement service change and improve the patient experience.

Submitted on 23/10/2025 at 14:01
Published on Care Opinion at 14:44

picture of Lisa Townsend

Dear Tucanasz76

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and concerns about vaccination eligibility. We’re sorry to hear how frustrating this has been, particularly after you’ve already experienced shingles twice.

Your story has been allocated to our Trust, but we wanted to let you know that we don’t run shingles vaccination clinics ourselves. The shingles vaccine is offered through GP practices as part of a national NHS England programme, which is being expanded gradually to include more age groups. We understand how confusing this can feel, especially when you’ve been directly affected by shingles before.

I have asked Care Opinion to ensure your feedback is shared with teams involved in vaccination and primary care services so your concerns are heard.

Kind regards

Lisa

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Response from Alison Newton, Operations Support Manager (Northern Service), Seasonal Vaccination Clinic (Northern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust last week
Alison Newton
Operations Support Manager (Northern Service), Seasonal Vaccination Clinic (Northern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 23/10/2025 at 22:54
Published on Care Opinion on 24/10/2025 at 08:54

Dear Tucanasz76

Thank you for taking the time to send in your email regarding vaccinations to the Trust. Unfortunately the government have not dropped the age group eligibility for the covid vaccine for the Autumn programme and kept it at over 75, as this is the age group that are deemed to be at higher risk than younger people. Healthcare workers have also been excluded from the Autumn programme as have people who have underlying medical conditions.

Yours sincerely

Alison - North Devon Vaccination Service

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