Shingles Vaccination: Protection Against a Painful Condition
Shingles can cause severe pain lasting months or years. Learn about the shingles vaccine and who should consider getting protected.
Shingles Vaccination: Protection Against a Painful Condition
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that affects around 1 in 4 people during their lifetime. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after 50, and complications can be severe, including long-lasting nerve pain.
The good news? Effective vaccines are available. At Pulteney Pharmacy, we offer private shingles vaccination for those who want protection.
What is Shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), which lies dormant in your nervous system after childhood infection. When it reactivates—often when your immune system is weakened—it causes shingles.
Recognising Shingles
Symptoms typically develop in stages:
Early signs (1-5 days before rash):
- Tingling, burning, or pain in one area
- General feeling of being unwell
- Headache
- Mild fever
Active shingles:
- Red rash appearing in a band or strip (usually one side of body)
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Intense pain, itching, or burning
- Sensitivity to touch
The rash typically lasts 2-4 weeks, but complications can persist much longer.
Why Shingles Can Be Serious
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
The most common complication, PHN causes:
- Severe burning, shooting, or stabbing pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Pain lasting months or even years
- Significant impact on quality of life
Risk of PHN increases with age—affecting up to 30% of shingles patients over 60.
Other Complications
- Eye involvement (ophthalmic shingles): Can cause vision problems or blindness
- Hearing problems: If the ear is affected
- Bacterial skin infection: In broken blisters
- Neurological problems: In rare cases
Who Should Consider Shingles Vaccination?
NHS Eligibility (Free Vaccination)
The NHS offers free shingles vaccination to:
- People aged 70-79
- People aged 50+ with severely weakened immune systems
Check with your GP if you're eligible for the NHS programme.
Private Vaccination
We offer private shingles vaccination for anyone not eligible for the NHS programme who wants protection, particularly:
- Adults aged 50+
- Those approaching their 70s who don't want to wait
- Anyone concerned about shingles risk
Available Vaccines
Shingrix (Recombinant Vaccine)
- Type: Non-live vaccine
- Doses: 2 doses, 2-6 months apart
- Effectiveness: Over 90% protection against shingles
- Duration: Protection maintained for at least 4 years (likely longer)
- Suitable for: Immunocompromised individuals
Shingrix is now the preferred vaccine due to its superior effectiveness and suitability for more people.
Zostavax (Live Vaccine)
- Type: Live attenuated vaccine
- Doses: Single dose
- Effectiveness: Around 70% at preventing shingles in 50-59 age group
- Not suitable for: Immunocompromised individuals
What If I've Already Had Shingles?
Yes, you can still benefit from vaccination. Shingles can recur, and the vaccine helps prevent future episodes. We recommend waiting at least a year after a shingles episode before vaccination.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects (usually mild and short-lived):
- Pain or swelling at injection site
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mild fever
These indicate your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Don't Wait for Shingles to Strike
If you've seen someone suffer from shingles or postherpetic neuralgia, you know how devastating it can be. Vaccination offers excellent protection against this painful condition.
📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Book your shingles vaccination
Prevention is better than cure—especially with shingles.