Shingles Vaccine
Protect yourself against shingles
Shingles can be much more than a painful rash. For some people, it can lead to severe nerve pain that continues for months or even years after the rash has disappeared.
Shingrix is a highly effective, non-live vaccine that helps protect against shingles and its most common long-term complication, post-herpetic neuralgia.
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox: the varicella-zoster virus.
After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system. Years or even decades later, it can reactivate and cause shingles.
The risk increases as we get older, particularly after the age of 50, and is also higher in people whose immune systems are weakened.
Shingles typically causes a painful, blistering rash affecting one area of the body or face. In some people, the nerve pain persists long after the skin has healed. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and can significantly affect sleep, mood and quality of life.
Who should consider Shingrix?
• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Adults aged 18 years and older who are at increased risk of shingles because of a weakened immune system
This may include people receiving certain treatments for cancer or autoimmune conditions, people taking immune-suppressing medication, transplant recipients and people living with certain conditions that affect immunity.
If you are unsure whether Shingrix is appropriate for you, please speak to your Peak doctor.
I’ve already had shingles. Do I still need the vaccine?
Yes.
Having shingles does not guarantee that you will not get it again. Shingrix can still provide useful protection against future episodes.
The vaccine should not be given during an active episode of shingles. We can advise you on appropriate timing once you have recovered.
What if I’ve previously had a shingles vaccine?
You may still benefit from Shingrix even if you previously received an older shingles vaccine.
Please let us know which vaccine you received and, if possible, when you received it so that we can advise you appropriately.
How effective is Shingrix?
Shingrix provides over 90% protection against shingles in clinical trials, with very high levels of protection even in older adults.
It also substantially reduces the risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia, the persistent nerve pain that can follow shingles.
Long-term studies have shown that protection remains high for many years following vaccination.
How many doses will I need?
Shingrix is given as two injections into the upper arm.
For most people the doses are spaced by 2–6 months.
For some people who are immunocompromised, the second dose may be given sooner.
It is important to complete both doses for optimal protection.
Is Shingrix a live vaccine?
No.
Shingrix does not contain live varicella-zoster virus and cannot give you shingles.
Because it is a non-live vaccine, it can also be suitable for many people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to receive certain live vaccines.
What side effects can I expect?
Shingrix produces a strong immune response, and temporary side effects are relatively common.
You may experience:
Pain, redness or swelling around the injection site
Tiredness
Muscle aches
Headache
Chills or fever
Occasionally nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
These symptoms usually settle within 2–3 days.
Some people feel quite tired or flu-like the day after vaccination, so you may wish to avoid scheduling your vaccine immediately before an especially busy or important day.
Serious reactions are uncommon.
Who should not receive Shingrix?
Please tell your Peak doctor or nurse before vaccination if you:
Have previously had a severe allergic reaction to Shingrix or any of its ingredients
Currently have shingles
Are currently significantly unwell or have a high fever
Are pregnant or may be pregnant
Have previously experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome
Are receiving chemotherapy, biological therapy, high-dose steroids or other treatments that affect your immune system
Some of these are not absolute contraindications but may affect the timing of vaccination. We will help you decide when it is safest and most effective to receive Shingrix.
Can I have Shingrix with my other vaccinations?
In many cases, Shingrix can be given at the same visit as other adult vaccines.
Please let us know about any recent or planned vaccinations so that we can advise you appropriately.
Why vaccinate against shingles?
For most people, shingles eventually resolves. However, it can be extremely painful, and the likelihood of complications increases with age.
Vaccination can substantially reduce your risk of:
Developing shingles
Developing severe shingles
Post-herpetic neuralgia and prolonged nerve pain
For adults over 50, shingles vaccination is an important part of maintaining good health as we get older.
Interested in Shingrix?
Speak to your Peak Family Practice doctor or nurse about whether Shingrix is appropriate for you.
We can review your medical history, medications and previous vaccinations and arrange your two-dose vaccination course.
