Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced Thursday an expansion of its voluntary shingles vaccination program, broadening eligibility to include all adults aged 50 and older, as well as adults aged 18 and above with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

In a press statement, the ministry said it has also expanded vaccination sites to improve access across Kuwait.

People wishing to receive the shingles vaccine can visit their nearest preventive health clinic or consult their physician to confirm their eligibility, the statement explained.

The vaccine is available at 40 preventive health clinics in primary healthcare centers, as well as preventive health clinics at the country’s main hospitals.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), with the risk increasing with age or a weakened immune system and potentially leading to long-term complications, particularly postherpetic neuralgia, which can last for months or years and significantly affect quality of life.