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Funding question mark over expanding Shingles vaccine availability

Minister asks: 'Where is the money going to come from?'

Shingles vaccines should be available to more people on the Isle of Man but there’s a question mark over how they will be funded.

That’s according to the health and social care minister who says his department is considering lowering the age of eligibility – from 70 to 65 - in line with the UK.

Around one in five people who have chickenpox will develop shingles with the risk, severity and complications from the condition increasing with age.

Lawrie Hooper confirmed in the House of Keys this week that the topic has been discussed with Public Health and Manx Care and the DHSC will now consider their advice in the coming weeks.

However he said, ultimately, it could come down to cost:  

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