Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. While anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life, the risk increases with age, and the consequences can be severe. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available to help prevent shingles and its complications.
What You Need to Know
TWO DOSES REQUIRED | FROM £210 PER DOSE
The shingles vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.
Available in DMB Chemist & Tower Pharmacy
Countries this vaccine is recommended for:
The shingles vaccine is recommended in many countries, particularly for older adults. Some of the countries where the shingles vaccine is commonly recommended include:
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
European countries
Japan
South Korea
China
These countries typically recommend shingles vaccination as part of routine immunisation schedules for older adults, generally starting at age 50 or 60, depending on national guidelines.
When to consider this vaccination:
ARE 50 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER
The risk of shingles increases with age, with the highest incidence occurring in individuals over 50 years old. Vaccination is especially important for older adults to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (chronic pain after the rash resolves).
HAVE A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM
Individuals with certain medical conditions or receiving treatments that weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy or long-term corticosteroid use, may also benefit from shingles vaccination to help prevent severe shingles complications.
HAVE HAD CHICKENPOX
Since shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life, making vaccination a consideration for individuals with a history of chickenpox.
Risks of not getting vaccination:
INCREASED RISK OF SHINGLES
Without vaccination, individuals remain susceptible to shingles, a painful rash that can last for weeks and cause significant discomfort and complications, particularly in older adults.
POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA
One of the most common complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, characterized by persistent nerve pain in the affected area long after the rash has healed. This chronic pain can significantly impact the quality of life and may be difficult to manage.
OTHER COMPLICATIONS
Shingles can lead to other complications, such as vision loss if the virus affects the eyes (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), or neurological problems if it involves the brain or spinal cord.
Amount of doses needed:
FIRST DOSE
The first dose of the shingles vaccine is administered to eligible individuals, usually at age 50 or older.
SECOND DOSE
The second dose is administered several weeks to months after the first dose to ensure optimal protection against shingles and its complications.
