Shingles Vaccinations in London
Protect yourself against Shingles
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Shingles – The Facts
If you have had Chickenpox, herpes virus remains dormant in your body.
In older age or times of stress or immunocompetence the virus can reactivate and present as shingles.
At London Vaccination Clinic we highly recommend a vaccination against Shingles in those ages 50 years and over. This vaccine can protect you for up to 5 years.
Common symptoms of Shingles include:
- Pain localized to one area ( or side) of the body
- Tender skin and a sensation of dull burning pain and a sharp stabbing pain that lasts for 2-3 days before the rash appears
- A rash starting as blotchy red bumps and developing into itchy blisters
- Headache and high fever
- Burning, tingling, itching, or numbness of the skin
- A general feeling of being unwell similar to flu like symptoms
- Severe headache
Symptoms of Ophthalmic Shingles include:
- A rash over your nose, forehead, and around the eye
- Conjunctivitis
- Vision problems
If shingles appear on the face there is a direct risk to your vision, you must be checked up over by a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
Risk Areas
Shingles is present worldwide, but mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and South America.
Why have the Shingles Vaccination?
- If you are over 50 years of age.
- Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable.
- You may be infectious to others why have never been exposed to the virus. You should check with your airline before travel.
- If you are visiting friends and relatives who have not been exposed to this virus and are pregnant you may want to consider having the vaccine.
- You have other pre-existing medical conditions, that makes you immunocompromised.
- For occupational reasons.
- Around 20% of shingles cases develop into postherpetic neuralgia, which produces long term nerve pain at the site of the shingles rash. It is more common in the elderly
Vaccination
Administration Method
Depending which vaccine, you have you will either have a single dose or two dose injection administered into your upper arm.
Course
Zostavax (Live vaccine) single dose.
Shingrix (Inactivated vaccine) two doses a minimum of 2 months apart.
Shingrix (Inactivated vaccine) two doses a minimum of 2 months apart.
Length of Protection
The length of protection is not known.
Special Instructions
The vaccine is available on the NHS for certain age groups (between 70-80) the vaccine is licensed for use from the age of 50, younger people can have the vaccine off license following a risk assessment from our clinicians.
Dose & Price
Zostavax (Live) costs £200, single dose Shingrix (Inactivated) £255 per dose, two doses required.
Side Effects
Zostavax is a live vaccine, it is not appropriate for those who are immunosuppressed. Common side effects are pain or swelling at the injection site, headache, mild fever and a rash.
Suggested Additional Vaccinations
Flu
Hepatitis B
Pneumococcal
FAQs
Should i have the vaccine if I have suffered or am suffering from shingles?
It is recommended to wait until the symptoms have ceased.
Does immunisation hurt?
Not all vaccinations are delivered by needle. But whenever they are, we bring all our considerable expertise into play to make sure it hurts as little as possible. Modern needles are so fine they hurt a lot less than the old fashioned versions used to. You shouldn’t feel anything worse than a sharp prick.
What if I have an abnormal reaction?
We don’t just vaccinate you and abandon you! If you don’t feel well afterwards or experience an abnormal reaction, phone us or come straight back in and we’ll check you out.
Do you provide vaccination certificates?
We provide certificates for Meningitis and Yellow Fever Vaccinations. Certificates are essential visa requirement for travellers to certain countries in South America and Africa.
Will I get a vaccination record card?
Yes, and it’ll act as a record of the vaccinations you’ve been given. The cards include information about how long the vaccination is effective and your booster dates. If you already have a vaccination record card, bring it to your consultation so we can check your immunisation history.
Meet the Team
Dr Elizabeth Tuckey
Director
MBBS, BA Philosophy
Kami Soltysik
Travel Nurse
BSc Nursing
Katy Peters
Clinical Director
BN (Hons), DipTM (LSHTM), Dip TM, MFTM
Dr Elizabeth Tuckey
Director
MBBS, BA Philosophy
Kami Soltysik
Travel Nurse
BSc Nursing
Katy Peters
Clinical Director
BN (Hons), DipTM (LSHTM), Dip TM, MFTM