The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles and its complications, including long-lasting nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
The vaccine used in private practice is typically Shingrix®, which provides a high level of protection against shingles and is recommended for eligible adults.

The shingles vaccine is generally recommended for adults aged 50 years and over.
Vaccination may be particularly beneficial for:
Adults over 50.
Adults aged 60 and over.
People with weakened immune systems (where clinically appropriate).
Individuals concerned about developing shingles or its complications.
Our clinician can advise whether the shingles vaccine is suitable for you.

As we age, the immune system naturally becomes less effective at keeping the dormant chickenpox virus under control.
This is why the risk of developing shingles increases significantly after the age of 50 and continues to rise with age.

Yes.
Having shingles once does not guarantee that you will not develop it again. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of future episodes.
Vaccination is usually recommended at least 12 months after a confirmed shingles infection. Our clinician can advise on the most appropriate timing.

Yes.
Although many people only experience shingles once, it is possible to develop shingles multiple times throughout your life.
This is one of the reasons vaccination is recommended, even for people who have previously had shingles.

Current evidence suggests that protection remains strong for many years (more than a decade) after completing the two-dose course.
Research is ongoing to determine the exact duration of protection, but long-term effectiveness remains very encouraging.

Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Common side effects include:
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Headache.
Fatigue.
Muscle aches.
Mild fever.
Chills.
These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

Post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles.
It causes persistent nerve pain that continues after the shingles rash has healed. In some cases, the pain can last for months or even years and can significantly affect quality of life.
The shingles vaccine helps reduce the risk of developing this complication.

Yes.
In fact, most people who develop shingles have previously had chickenpox. The shingles vaccine is designed to help prevent the dormant chickenpox virus from reactivating later in life.

The shingles vaccine provides a high level of protection (between 91% to 97% depending on age) against both shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
While no vaccine provides 100% protection, vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of developing shingles and can reduce the severity of illness if shingles does occur.