This learning resource is designed to support registered healthcare practitioners in the effective delivery of the Shingles immunisation programme
To support the Shingles immunisation programme in Scotland from 1st September 2026, Public Service Delivery Scotland, in collaboration with Public Health Scotland, has updated its educational resource.
Resources are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current guidance but do not replace clinical judgement. Practitioners should refer to Shingles (herpes zoster): the green book, chapter 28a, when administering the vaccine.
On completion of this resource, you should be able to:
Describe the aetiology and epidemiology of shingles
Describe the relationship between shingles and chickenpox (varicella zoster) including the potential severity of the disease in older people
Describe current eligibility for shingles vaccine and identify those who should be offered the vaccine
Confidently discuss the shingles vaccine with vaccinees
Practitioners may find the shingles vaccine eligibility calculator helpful for identifying individuals eligible for the Shingles vaccine based on age-related criteria. By entering a date of birth, the tool confirms eligibility for the age-based cohorts included in the programme.
Please note: This tool does not assess eligibility based on clinical factors such as immunosuppression. For full eligibility criteria, practitioners should refer to Shingles (herpes zoster): the green book, chapter 28a.