Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) now recommended for all severely immunocompromised adults aged 18 and over
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of a latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, generally decades after the primary infection, and causes significant morbidity in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine with high efficacy to prevent shingles, including in severely immunosuppressed individuals. The vaccine was previously recommended for immunosuppressed individuals who were over 50 years of age. From 1 September 2025, recommendations now extend to all severely immunosuppressed individuals over 18 years of age. Box 1 below shows the definition of severely immunosuppressive states where the vaccine is recommended. This includes many patients with IBD, autoimmune hepatitis or those post transplantation.
Full details of the policy are shown in the Green Book which includes a national implementation plan, ensuring equitable access to vaccination for all eligible immunosuppressed adults, including those with IBD and chronic liver disease.
To be effective individuals should receive 2 doses of the vaccine. GPs have been commissioned to deliver the vaccination in primary care so please consider adding text
recommending the vaccination (and other vaccines) to your clinic letters to remind colleagues in primary care.
Thanks go to Dr Shahida Din and the BSG IBD Section committee who have played a key role in advocating for this change through research and policy work.
Full details of the policy are shown in the Green Book which includes a national implementation plan, ensuring equitable access to vaccination for all eligible immunosuppressed adults, including those with IBD and chronic liver disease.
To be effective individuals should receive 2 doses of the vaccine. GPs have been commissioned to deliver the vaccination in primary care so please consider adding text
recommending the vaccination (and other vaccines) to your clinic letters to remind colleagues in primary care.
Thanks go to Dr Shahida Din and the BSG IBD Section committee who have played a key role in advocating for this change through research and policy work.
