Shingles Vaccination (Shingrix®) – Private Service

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). The rash typically affects one area of the body and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
 Shingrix® is a highly effective non-live vaccine that helps prevent shingles and PHN in adults.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Who is the Shingles Vaccine For?

You may benefit from the private Shingrix® vaccine if you are:

  • Aged 50 or over and wish to protect yourself against shingles.

  • Not eligible for the NHS shingles programme but still want protection.

  • Keen to reduce your risk of long-term nerve pain following shingles.

Note: Some people may be eligible for an NHS vaccine. We can advise you if this applies.

Who Cannot Receive the Vaccine?

You should not be vaccinated if you:

  • Do not give valid consent.

  • Are 80 years or older, as effectiveness may be reduced (you should speak to your GP about NHS eligibility).

  • Have current shingles infection with active lesions.

  • Have previously received:

    • One dose of Zostavax®, or
    • Two doses of Shingrix® already.

  • Have received any dose of Shingrix® within the last 8 weeks.

  • Have a known allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety data is limited.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Who is the Shingles Vaccine For?

You may benefit from the private Shingrix® vaccine if you are:

  • Aged 50 or over and wish to protect yourself against shingles.

  • Not eligible for the NHS shingles programme but still want protection.

  • Keen to reduce your risk of long-term nerve pain following shingles.

Note: Some people may be eligible for an NHS vaccine. We can advise you if this applies.

Who Cannot Receive the Vaccine?

You should not be vaccinated if you:

  • Do not give valid consent.

  • Are 80 years or older, as effectiveness may be reduced (you should speak to your GP about NHS eligibility).

  • Have current shingles infection with active lesions.

  • Have previously received:

    • One dose of Zostavax®, or
    • Two doses of Shingrix® already.

  • Have received any dose of Shingrix® within the last 8 weeks.

  • Have a known allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety data is limited.

Over 90% effective at preventing shingles.

  • Strong and long-lasting protection.

  • Not a live vaccine—safe for most people who cannot receive live vaccines.

  • Significantly reduces the risk of long-term nerve pain (PHN).

The Shingrix® course consists of 2 doses, both given into the upper arm muscle.

• Dose 1: at your first appointment

• Dose 2: 2 to 6 months later

For certain people with weakened immunity, the second dose may be given sooner (1–2 months).

Most side effects are mild and settle within 2–3 days. These may include: Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, Muscle aches, Headache, Fatigue, Fever or chills, Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort)

If a rash develops after the vaccine, medical advice should be sought to ensure the correct diagnosis.

Yes. Shingrix® can be administered at the same time as:

  • Influenza vaccines

  • Pneumococcal vaccines

  • COVID-19 vaccines

Vaccines are given at separate injection sites.

  • Shingrix® does not protect against chickenpox.

  • Booster doses are not currently required after the initial 2-dose course.

  • People aged 60+ will gradually become eligible for the NHS programme (phased in over 10 years from 2023).

Book Your Shingles Vaccination

Protect yourself against the serious complications of shingles with the Shingrix® vaccine.
Appointments are available throughout the week.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.