Shingles Vaccination Service

What is the Shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine we use is called Shingrix, and it is currently used in the NHS and by various health bodies, worldwide.

This shingles vaccine protects against the herpes zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). When you’ve had chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant in your body, and during periods of low immunity, break out as a rash referred to as shingles.

Shingrix helps to reduce the risk of such an outbreak, and is particularly important for patients with low immunity or who are at higher risk, such as the elderly.

You can read more about Shingrix in the patient information leaflet, by clicking the button below:

The Shingles Vaccine - FAQs

  • The shingles vaccine is administered as a two dose course, each dose given two months apart. If following this course, it is estimated protection will last at least 7 to 10 years.

    As such, there is no official recommendation as to the need for booster vaccinations.

  • The Shingrix vaccine is available for those who:

    • Are aged 50 years and over

    • Adults aged 18 and older who are at increased risk of Herpes Zoster

    • Have no allergies to the ingredients or excipients of the vaccine

    • Are currently fit and well

    • Are not immunocompromised

    • Do not have a bleeding disorder

    • Are not breastfeeding

    • Are not pregnant

  • The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of you having an active herpes zoster infection or suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia.

    It is generally recommended that those over 50, and those in close contact with babies, young children and immunocompromised people should get the shingles vaccine to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

  • Yes. Vaccines are never 100% effective for everyone, but having a shingles vaccine does reduce the chance of you having a shingles infection.

    The more people are vaccinated, the lower the risk for both people who are vaccinated but for whom the vaccine is not effective; and for people who are not vaccinated.

  • Yes. You can still contract and spread the herpes zoster virus after having the vaccine, and the vaccine does not protect against other viruses like colds, flu and Covid.

    People who have no immunity to chickenpox can contract it through this virus from someone with an active shingles infection. As such you should be careful not to spread the virus to babies, young children and pregnant people.

  • Many people are eligible for the shingles vaccine through the NHS. We recommend you contact your GP or local health authority for more information.

    If you want the vaccine on the NHS, we unfortunately are unable to assist with this as we are a fully private pharmacy, so you will have to speak to your GP.

  • For each visit you need, you’ll have:

    • A full consultation with the pharmacist, who will assess the suitability of the vaccine for you and be able to answer any questions you may have

    • The vaccine prescribed by the pharmacist

    • A patient-information leaflet from the manufacturers of the vaccine

    • The vaccine administered by the pharmacist

  • The shingles vaccination service costs £292 per dose.

Ready to book your shingles vaccine?

Each dose of the vaccine is booked individually.