I thought they were still offering the live attenuated vaccine

The live attenuated shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is no longer offered in the UK. The NHS switched entirely to the recombinant vaccine (Shingrix) in 2023.

You are correct that a live attenuated vaccine existed. Zostavax was the standard shingles shot for years, a single dose of weakened live virus. But the European Commission withdrew its marketing authorization in 2025, and the UK stopped using it well before that [3]. The evidence on Zostavax shows it worked, but less well than the replacement. In the Shingles Prevention Study, one dose cut shingles by about 51% in people over 60, and by only 38% in those over 70 [2]. Protection also faded faster than the newer vaccine.

The live vaccine also had a real limitation: you could not give it to people with weakened immune systems, because the live virus could cause disease in them [1]. The recombinant vaccine has no such restriction, which is one reason the NHS moved to it. The live vaccine is gone from UK shelves. If a GP offered it today, that would be unusual and likely a mistake.

The question of which vaccine is better for you is separate from what is available. The recombinant vaccine has higher efficacy in trials, about 97% in people over 50 and 90% in those over 70, though real-world effectiveness runs lower, around 70% after two doses [2]. It also comes with a stronger inflammatory reaction, which is the trade-off. The live vaccine is simply not an option on the NHS anymore.

My call: The live attenuated vaccine is not offered in the UK. You will receive the recombinant vaccine if you book the appointment. Confidence: high.