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Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, becoming more common and more severe with age. The shingles vaccine helps protect older adults and reduces the risk of lasting nerve pain.
Key facts
Who it's for
Older adults, and people aged 50+ with a weakened immune system
Vaccination course
2 doses, usually 2–6 months apart
Vaccine type
Non-live vaccine — suitable for people with weakened immunity
Protects against
Shingles and lasting nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia)
Availability
Through the NHS for eligible ages, and privately for others aged 50+
Cause
Reactivation of the chickenpox virus already in the body
What is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles, usually as a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body. It becomes more common and more severe as we get older or if the immune system is weakened.
As well as the rash, shingles can lead to long-lasting nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) that can persist for months. The shingles vaccine substantially reduces the risk of getting shingles and of these complications, and is recommended mainly for older adults.
What are the symptoms of Shingles?
- A burning, tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, often before the rash
- A rash on one side of the body, usually as a band or patch
- Fluid-filled blisters that crust over
- Pain that can be severe
- Sometimes fever and feeling generally unwell
- Lasting nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) after the rash heals in some people
How does the Shingles Vaccine work?
The shingles vaccine (a non-live vaccine) is given as two doses, usually two to six months apart. Because it's non-live, it's suitable for people with weakened immune systems aged 50 and over. It substantially reduces the risk of shingles and of long-lasting nerve pain. The NHS offers it to eligible age groups; it's available privately for others aged 50 and over. We'll confirm your eligibility and schedule at your appointment.
Book your appointment for Shingles Vaccine right now.
Who should have the shingles vaccine?
Shingles vaccination is recommended for those most at risk of shingles and its complications, including:
- Older adults in the eligible NHS age groups
- People aged 50 and over with a weakened immune system
- Others aged 50 and over who would like protection (available privately)
- Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past — which is most adults
The vaccination course
Two doses are given, usually between two and six months apart, for the best, longest-lasting protection. The current vaccine is non-live, which means it can also be given to people with weakened immune systems from age 50.
We'll check whether you're eligible through the NHS or whether a private course is right for you, and confirm the schedule at your appointment.
Possible side effects
Side effects are common but usually mild and short-lived, reflecting a good immune response:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle aches, tiredness or headache
- A mildly raised temperature
- These typically settle within a few days; serious reactions are very rare
Shingles and chickenpox
It helps to understand how shingles relates to chickenpox:
- Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating later in life
- You can't catch shingles from someone, but the fluid in shingles blisters can give chickenpox to someone who hasn't had it
- The shingles vaccine is different from the childhood chickenpox vaccine
- Vaccination reduces both the chance of shingles and the risk of lasting nerve pain
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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