Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccination
Shingrix is a non-live vaccine that protects against shingles and its painful complications. It is recommended for older adults, typically from age 50, and for some immunocompromised people.
£200 per dose — 2 dose course
Who it is for
Adults from around age 50, and some immunocompromised adults at younger ages
Number of doses
Two doses
When to have it
From age 50 onwards, or earlier if advised due to weakened immunity
How long protection lasts
Strong protection expected for many years; no routine booster currently recommended
How it is given
Injection into the upper arm muscle
Price
£200 per dose
Quick answer
Shingrix is a non-live vaccine that protects against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It is recommended for adults from around age 50 and for some immunocompromised people, and is given as two doses. The Shingrix vaccine is available privately at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccination
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection the virus stays dormant in the body and can re-emerge years later as shingles, causing a painful, blistering rash usually on one side of the body.
The most troublesome complication is post-herpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months after the rash has healed. The risk of shingles and its complications rises with age and is higher in people with weakened immune systems.
Shingrix is a non-live (recombinant) vaccine given as two doses. Because it is not a live vaccine it is suitable for many people who cannot have live vaccines, including some who are immunocompromised. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can discuss whether Shingrix is appropriate for you and arrange both doses.
Timing
Two doses 2 to 6 months apart
The second dose is usually given 2 to 6 months after the first, with a shorter interval sometimes used for people who are immunosuppressed.
Effectiveness
Highly effective
In older adults Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia, with high levels of protection maintained for several years.
Duration
Long-lasting
Protection from the two-dose course is expected to last for many years, and no further booster is currently routinely recommended.
Signs & symptoms
- A painful, burning or tingling sensation in an area of skin, often before any rash appears
- A blistering rash, usually in a band on one side of the body or face
- Itching or heightened sensitivity of the affected skin
- Fluid-filled blisters that crust over after a few days
- Headache, tiredness and a generally unwell feeling
- Post-herpetic neuralgia — long-lasting nerve pain that can persist after the rash heals
Who should consider this vaccine?
Shingrix is recommended for older adults, typically from around age 50, when the risk of shingles and nerve-pain complications begins to rise. It is also advised for some adults with weakened immune systems, even at younger ages, because they are at greater risk of severe disease. As a non-live vaccine, it is suitable for many people who cannot receive live shingles vaccines.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
Shingrix is recommended for older adults, typically from around age 50, when the risk of shingles and its complications begins to rise. It is also advised for some adults with weakened immune systems, even at younger ages, because they face a greater risk of severe disease. As a non-live (recombinant) vaccine, Shingrix is suitable for many people who cannot receive live shingles vaccines.
- Adults aged 50 and over
- Adults with weakened immunity due to illness or treatment such as chemotherapy or organ transplant
- People who cannot have live vaccines because Shingrix is non-live
- Anyone who has previously had chickenpox, as the virus can reactivate as shingles
The vaccination course
Shingrix is given as a two-dose course by injection into the upper arm muscle. The second dose is usually given 2 to 6 months after the first, with a shorter interval sometimes used for people who are immunosuppressed. Completing both doses is important to achieve the full level of protection.
- Two doses are needed for full protection
- Second dose usually 2 to 6 months after the first
- A shorter interval may be advised for immunosuppressed patients
- Given as an injection into the upper arm
How long does protection last
In older adults Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia, with high levels of protection maintained for several years after the two-dose course. Protection is expected to last for many years, and no further booster is currently routinely recommended.
- Strong protection against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia
- High protection maintained for several years
- Expected to last for many years after the course
- No routine booster currently recommended
Possible side effects
Side effects after Shingrix are common but usually mild and short-lived, typically lasting a day or two as the immune system responds. A sore arm at the injection site is the most frequent reaction. More serious reactions are rare. Our team will discuss what to expect and answer any questions before vaccination.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness and muscle aches
- Headache and a mild fever
- Shivering or feeling generally unwell for a short time