Dartmoor residents urged to take shingles vaccine after hundreds across Devon hospitalised

Health leaders are urging older residents across Devon, including rural communities on Dartmoor, to take up the shingles vaccine when invited, as hundreds of people continue to be admitted to hospital with the condition each year.

New figures provided by NHS Devon show there were 508 hospital admissions across the county during 2025 related to shingles, a painful viral infection that can lead to serious and long-lasting complications.

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Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus and typically produces a blistering rash, which, in some cases, can cause persistent pain for months after the rash has healed.

Complications can include nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), infected rash, scarring, muscle weakness, eye problems that can lead to sight loss, and the rare Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which affects the facial nerve.

NHS Devon health officials told The Moorlander that the risk of severe illness increases with age and for people with weakened immune systems.

Data shared by One Devon shows uptake of the shingles vaccine in the South West is above the national average. 

Around 20 per cent of people turning 65 have received the vaccine, compared with 17 per cent across England. 

Among those turning 70, uptake in Devon stands at 29 per cent compared with 26 per cent nationally.

Hollie Kidby, Vaccination Clinical Lead at NHS Devon, said the vaccine offers important protection.

“Shingles can be a very painful condition and, for some people, the effects can last a long time,” she said.

“The vaccine offers strong protection and can prevent serious complications.

“We are pleased to see good uptake across the South West, but we would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward when invited.”

The vaccination programme currently covers people who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023, adults aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated, and people aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.

NHS Devon also says vaccination is particularly important in rural areas such as Dartmoor, where travelling to hospital can be more difficult.

By reducing the risk of severe illness and hospital admission, the vaccine can help people avoid long journeys for treatment and maintain independence.

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Vaccinated individuals are far less likely to require hospital care for shingles, a factor NHS Devon calls ‘a vital preventative benefit’ in areas where public transport is limited and distances to services are greater.

Anyone who believes they are eligible but has not yet been invited is encouraged to contact their GP practice to arrange an appointment. 

GP surgeries will normally invite patients when they become eligible.

Health officials say the vaccine can also be given to people who have previously had shingles, as the condition can occur more than once.

More information about the shingles vaccination is available on the NHS website.