Shingles Vaccine

Description

What is the Shingles Vaccine?

The Shingles Vaccine helps protect against shingles (herpes zoster), a painful viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.

After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, particularly as we get older or if our immune system becomes weakened. Shingles can cause a painful blistering rash and, in some people, long-term nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of developing shingles and its complications.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, the Shingles Vaccine is provided as part of our clinician-led vaccination service following a suitability assessment by our trained healthcare professionals.

Vaccine Information

The Shingles Vaccine available at The Kingston Pharmacy is:

• Shingrix®

Shingrix® is a non-live (recombinant) vaccine and is suitable for most adults, including many people who cannot receive live vaccines.

For most people, a complete vaccination course consists of two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.

Our healthcare professional will advise you on the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on your age, medical history and vaccination status.

How Does the Shingles Vaccine Work?

Shingrix® works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus.

If the virus becomes active later in life, your immune system is better prepared to fight it, significantly reducing your risk of developing shingles and its complications.

Vaccination may help to:

• Reduce your risk of developing shingles

• Reduce the severity of illness if shingles does occur

• Lower the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (long-lasting nerve pain)

• Reduce the risk of other shingles-related complications

• Provide long-lasting protection

Who May Be Suitable for the Shingles Vaccine?

The Shingles Vaccine may be suitable for:

• Adults aged 50 years and over.

• Adults aged 18 years and over who are at increased risk of shingles because of a weakened immune system.

• Individuals who have previously had chickenpox.

• People looking to reduce their risk of shingles and its complications.

Our healthcare professional will assess your medical history and vaccination status to determine whether the vaccine is suitable for you.

How is the Vaccine Given?

The Shingles Vaccine is administered as a single injection into the upper arm by one of our trained healthcare professionals.

For most people, a complete vaccination course consists of two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.

If you have previously received one dose of Shingrix®, our healthcare professional will advise when your second dose should be administered.

After your vaccination, you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a short period so we can ensure you feel well before leaving.

Potential Benefits

When administered appropriately, the Shingles Vaccine may:

• Help protect against shingles

• Reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia

• Reduce the severity of illness if shingles develops

• Provide long-lasting immune protection

• Offer convenient vaccination within a community pharmacy setting

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the Shingles Vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Muscle aches

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Fever

• Feeling generally unwell

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and resolve within a few days.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction following vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should consider the Shingles Vaccine?

• Adults aged 50 years and over.

• Adults at increased risk of shingles due to a weakened immune system.

• Individuals who have previously had chickenpox.

• People wishing to reduce their risk of shingles and its complications.

How many doses will I need?

Most people require two doses of Shingrix®, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first, to achieve the best protection.

Can I have the vaccine if I’ve already had shingles?

Yes. Even if you have previously had shingles, vaccination can help reduce your risk of developing it again. Our healthcare professional will advise on the most appropriate timing following recovery.

Is the Shingles Vaccine a live vaccine?

No. Shingrix® is a non-live (recombinant) vaccine, making it suitable for many people who cannot receive live vaccines.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Appointments are required so that we can assess your suitability, answer any questions and administer the vaccine safely.

Our Shingles Vaccination Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led vaccination service designed to help protect you against shingles and its complications.

Before vaccination, you will complete a confidential consultation covering your:

• Medical history

• Current medications

• Previous vaccinations

• Allergies

• Previous history of shingles

• Relevant medical conditions

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our trained healthcare professionals, who will assess whether the vaccine is appropriate for you and answer any questions before your vaccination.

Convenient Appointment Times

Once your appointment has been booked, you can attend The Kingston Pharmacy at a convenient time for your vaccination.

Our trained clinicians administer vaccinations in a private consultation room, ensuring your comfort, privacy and safety throughout your appointment.

Vaccination Advice and Support
As your local community pharmacy, we are available to answer any questions you may have before or after your appointment. Whether you would like advice about possible side effects, your second dose or future vaccinations, our friendly pharmacy team is always happy to help.

You can contact us by telephone, email or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Important Information

The Shingles Vaccine is not suitable for everyone and should only be administered following an appropriate clinical assessment.

Although Shingrix® provides excellent protection, no vaccine offers 100% protection. It remains important to seek medical advice if you develop symptoms suggestive of shingles, even if you have been vaccinated.

Always inform your healthcare professional of any allergies, previous vaccine reactions or current illness before receiving the vaccine.