Residents over the age of 65 will be offered the vaccination. The vaccine will be made available to doctors over the following days, according to the National Health Directorate. Those interested in receiving the jab are advised to contact their GP.
Shingles is characterised by a painful skin rash with blisters. The rash is typically localised to one part of the body and can last for several weeks.
The vaccination is recommended to those over the age of 65, as well as those with immune deficiencies. The vaccine itself will be free for over-65s, but the doctor’s consultation will be refunded to the usual 88%.
Residents aged 50 to 65 may also get vaccinated but must pay for the vaccine themselves as well as the doctor’s consultation.
An earlier version of this article wrongly stated the shingles vaccination would be totally free for over-65s.
