Each year, 80 to 90 Islanders between 70 and 79 get shingles, which causes painful blistering of the skin and which in extreme cases can be fatal. The disease normally lasts for about four weeks, but people over 70 are more likely to be affected for longer.
Island GPs are offering the vaccine Zostavax to people in their 70th birthday year, with the £100 cost of the vaccine will be covered by the Health Department, but surgeries may charge a consultation fee to administer the injection.
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