HEALTH bosses in Essex are encouraging eligible over-70s to make they sure get shingles immunisation.

The viral disease can leave suffers with pain lasting for years and is even fatal in one out of every 1,000 cases involving over-70s.

Since September 2013, the shingles vaccine has routinely been offered to 70 and 78-year-olds in a bid to boost immunity.

In addition, patients who were eligible in the first two years of the programme, but have not yet been vaccinated, remain eligible until their 80th birthday.

This means anyone aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 as of September 1 will be eligible for immunisation until August 31 next year.

Anne Brown, county councillor responsible for communities and healthy living, said: “I would urge people offered the immunisation to have it.

“Shingles can be very unpleasant. This simple, safe injection is all that is needed to reduce the risk of getting shingles.

“Those unlucky enough to get shingles in spite of being vaccinated tend to get less severe symptoms.”

For more information, people are encouraged to visit the NHS Choices website or check with their GP.