Shingles Vaccine

What is shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body. Later in life, as your immune system naturally weakens, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.

The condition typically presents as a painful rash, usually on one side of the body, which can take up to 4 weeks to heal. The rash can be accompanied by severe pain, itching, and tenderness in the affected area. Unfortunately, for some people, the pain persists long after the rash has healed, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Anyone who has had chickenpox, regardless of age, can develop shingles. As the risk increases with age, it is especially important for people over the age of 50 to consider getting vaccinated.

Although shingles itself cannot be spread from person to person, chickenpox can be transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox. This means that people such as newborn babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox if they come into contact with someone who has shingles. It is important to avoid close contact with these groups while you have an active shingles rash.

If you’re concerned about shingles or want to see what the rash looks like, click here for more information and images of shingles rash.

Why Should You Get the Shingles Vaccine?

Shingles is more than just an uncomfortable rash. It can lead to serious complications, including:

• Infection: The rash may become infected if not properly cared for.
• Scarring: Permanent skin scarring can occur after the rash heals.
• Weakened muscles: Shingles can cause temporary muscle weakness in the affected area.
• Eye problems: If shingles affects the eyes, it can lead to vision issues or even blindness.
• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A rare but serious complication where shingles affects the facial nerve. This can cause hearing problems abd weakness on one side of the face.

Even though most people recover from shingles without long-term problems, the pain and complications can be severe and long-lasting. For some, the pain can persist for months or even years. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the complications associated with it.

Our Shingles Vaccination Service

The shingles vaccine is available at Kamsons Pharmacy for £215 per dose. The vaccination requires two doses given approximately 2 months apart to provide the full course of protection.

Once you’ve completed the online consultation form below, our prescribing team will review your information. If the vaccine is appropriate for you, we’ll send a prescription to your chosen Kamsons Pharmacy branch. We recommend contacting the pharmacy two days after submitting the form to arrange your appointment for your first dose.

You may also be interested in our pneumonia vaccination and flu jab services.

FAQs

How do I make an appointment?

Once you’ve completed the online consultation form contact your chosen branch to book your vaccination.

Are There Any Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine?

Like any medication or vaccine, the shingles vaccine may cause some mild side effects. These are typically short-lived and should resolve within a few days. Possible side effects include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Headaches
• Fatigue or tiredness
• A high temperature or fever
• Aches or chills

These side effects are usually mild and should not last long. If you’re concerned or have any questions about potential side effects, don’t hesitate to speak with your Kamsons pharmacist. We’re here to offer guidance and ensure that you feel comfortable with your vaccination.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Please bring some ID with you.

Where is the shingles vaccine available?

This vaccine is available at selected Kamsons Pharmacy branches.

Kamsons Pharmacy is owned by Waremoss ltd, Westminster House, Bolton Close, Uckfield, TN22 1PH. Our Pharmacies are registered with the GPhC. Pharmacist, prescriber and pharmacy premises’ current registration details can be seen on https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/. Superintendent pharmacist – Timothy Golding 2027075. Prescriptions for our prescribing service are issued by one of our independent pharmacist prescribers: for full list click here. The full address and contact details of our pharmacies can be found under the branches section of our website, further information about the service can be obtained by emailing webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. If you are unhappy with the service or would like to provide us with your feedback you can write to us at the address above or email webadmin@kamsons365.co.uk. We are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council of 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LQ.