Shingles Vaccination
Shingrix — the most effective shingles vaccine available. A two-dose course providing over 90% protection against shingles and its complications.
Overview
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, causing a painful, blistering rash that follows the path of a nerve.
Shingles affects approximately 1 in 4 people during their lifetime, with risk increasing significantly after the age of 50. The most feared complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — severe, persistent nerve pain that can last months or years after the rash resolves.
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, we offer Shingrix® (GlaxoSmithKline) — the recombinant adjuvanted shingles vaccine and the gold standard for shingles prevention. It provides over 90% protection across all age groups and, unlike older live vaccines, is suitable for immunocompromised individuals.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
- Adults aged 50 and over — risk of shingles increases significantly with age
- Adults 70–79 may be eligible for the NHS Shingrix programme — check with your GP first
- Immunocompromised adults aged 18+ — including those on immunosuppressants, with HIV, post-transplant, or receiving chemotherapy
- Adults who have previously had shingles and wish to reduce the risk of recurrence
- Those who already received the older Zostavax vaccine and wish to upgrade to the more protective Shingrix vaccine
Shingrix can be given regardless of whether you've had chickenpox, shingles, or the older Zostavax vaccine.
Vaccine Details & Pricing
| Vaccine | Shingrix® (GSK) — recombinant, adjuvanted, non-live |
| Doses required | 2 doses, given 2–6 months apart |
| Price | £220 per dose · £440 for the full 2-dose course |
| Protection | >90% against shingles; >88% against post-herpetic neuralgia |
| Suitable for immunocompromised? | Yes — non-live vaccine, safe for those with weakened immunity |
| Minimum age | 18 years (50+ for standard recommendation) |
A £20 consultation fee applies to first-visit patients. NHS Shingrix may be available free for eligible 70–79 year olds — speak to your GP first.
Side Effects
Shingrix has a strong reactogenicity profile — meaning side effects are common but temporary, reflecting the immune response being mounted:
- Injection site reactions — pain, redness, and swelling (very common)
- Systemic reactions — fatigue, muscle aches, headache, shivering, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms for 1–3 days
These reactions are a sign that the immune system is responding well and typically resolve within 2–3 days. Many people find it helpful to plan their doses around days when they don't have major commitments.
Shingles vs Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Shingles itself causes a painful rash that usually resolves within 2–4 weeks. However, the most debilitating complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN):
- PHN affects up to 30% of shingles patients over 80
- Pain can be severe, constant, or triggered by the slightest touch
- Can persist for months to years after the rash resolves
- Is often inadequately treated with pain medication alone
Prevention through Shingrix vaccination is by far the most effective approach.