Guidance

Shingles vaccination checklist

Updated 12 July 2023

This checklist has been designed to help immunisation practitioners plan their shingles immunisation programme.

Prepare your shingles information pack

The following resources are available free to download or order form Health Publications:

• bookmark the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shingles vaccination programme web page
• Green Book shingles chapter 28a
• Patient Group Directions (PGDs) – Zostavax® PGD and Shingrix® PGD (all PGDs must be appropriately authorised before use)
• shingles information document for healthcare practitioners
• eligibility table poster (product code S23PFO2)
• stage 1 eligibility poster (product code S23PO1)
• eligibility poster (product code 2942856B)
• shingles vaccination leaflet (product code C23SGX1EN)
• shingles vaccination record card (product code S23RC01)
• shingles vaccination stickers (product code S23ST04)
• consider including shingles information on patient TV systems in waiting rooms, download the banners to use on your digital displays

Check your knowledge

The following training resources are available:

• complete the shingles session in the vaccine preventable diseases module of the e-Learning for Health immunisation course
• read through the latest version of the Shingles vaccination: guidance for healthcare practitioners
• share learning with all those involved in the programme, including GPs, practice nurses and reception staff booking appointments. Consider running a training and information session for colleagues using the national slide set for shingles

Plan your programme

Remember shingles vaccination can be offered all year round.

Include the following in your plan:

• inform your patient participation group of previous years vaccine uptake and focus for this year
• identify eligible patients who have not received shingles vaccine previously:
  • individuals between 70 and 80 years of age
  • from 1 September 2023 severely immunosuppressed individuals 50 years of age and above
  • from 1 September 2023 immunocompetent individuals who turn 65 and 70 years of age
  • eligible housebound patients and patients in care homes
• undertake call/recall for patients in the immunocompetent and immunosuppressed cohorts
• ensure current in-date authorised Patient Group Directions (PGDs) are available and that a prescriber has prepared a Patient Specific Direction (PSD) if non-registered staff are administering the vaccine
• make sure immunisers have a copy of the PGDs and the Green Book chapter 28a available to refer to when discussing vaccination with their patients and checking their medical history
• ensure eligible patients are flagged on the system to promote opportunistic vaccination (for example at chronic disease clinics, routine appointments)
• schedule appointments for patients to receive their second dose of Shingrix vaccine
• each month or quarter, update your list of patients still eligible and feedback progress made at practice meetings
• remember to add your requirement for shingles vaccine in with your childhood vaccine order through ImmForm. Aim to hold no more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock
• celebrate your success

Remember to advise patients that having their routine shingles vaccine is a good way of looking after their health so that they can get on with enjoying life without the pain of shingles.

Shingles infection is not related to season but it is related to age so don’t let your patients wait once they become eligible. The shingles vaccine may be their best birthday present this year.

Order or download print copies

A PDF version of this checklist is available to download or order.