NHS reported to watchdog by campaigners to shingle over ‘discriminatory’ vaccine rollout that won’t be offered to 66 to 69 year olds

A campaign group for seniors has reported the NHS to the equality watchdog over its rollout of the ‘discriminatory’ shingles vaccination.

The crucial jab – which significantly reduces the risk of developing the extremely painful viral skin condition – is offered to everyone when they turn 65, but also to people aged between 70 and 80.

However, three million people between the ages of 66 and 69 cannot receive the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix. This is due to limited supplies, which has led government advisors to prioritize certain age groups.

But campaign group Silver Voices has branded the decision as ‘age discrimination’, as research shows that people aged between 66 and 69 are just as likely to develop shingles.

Earlier this month, the group filed an official complaint with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which could force the NHS to expand its shingles vaccination rollout.

More than 50,000 older Brits get shingles every year, and almost one in four will suffer from it during their lifetime. The condition is related to chickenpox – the highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, patchy rash, usually in children.

The virus that causes the disease – varicella-zoster – remains in the body for life and lies dormant in the spinal nerves, but as the immune system weakens with age it can reactivate, causing a red blistering rash that can be excruciatingly painful .

The NHS announced in September that it would start offering the new Shingrix vaccine, which is 90 per cent effective. The previous shot, called Zostavax, reduced the risk of shingles by 50 percent.

The NHS said last September it would start offering the Shingrix vaccine, which has been found to be 90 per cent effective against the disease.

“The NHS should not refuse a service on the basis of age unless there is evidence that this is a reasonable approach,” said Dennis Reed of Silver Voices.

‘There is no academic research to support this ridiculous decision. If you are at risk for shingles at age 65, then you are also at risk at age 66.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the program was ‘in line with independent expert advice’, adding: ‘Almost one million additional people would be eligible for the shingles vaccination from September 2023.’