What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox the virus stays inactive in the nerves and can reactivate years later as shingles. It usually causes a painful rash of blisters on one side of the body, most often the chest and tummy, but it can also affect the face and eyes. The rash can take up to 4 weeks to heal.
Some people are left with long-lasting nerve pain after the rash has gone, called post-herpetic neuralgia. This is more common and more severe as we get older.
Read more on the HSE shingles page.
About the vaccine
We use Shingrix, a non-live (recombinant) vaccine. Because it does not contain live virus, it can also be given to many people with a weakened immune system. It is given as an injection into the upper arm.
- Two doses are needed for full protection.
- The second dose is usually given 2 months after the first, and can be given up to 6 months after.
- In clinical trials, two doses were more than 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults aged 50 and over.
Who should consider it?
Ireland's National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommends the shingles vaccine for:
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 50 and over with a condition or treatment that weakens the immune system
- Some adults aged 18 and over at increased risk because of a weakened immune system (for example after a stem cell transplant). Your specialist will advise on timing.
Shingrix is also licensed for any adult aged 50 and over who wants to reduce their risk of shingles. If you have had shingles before, you can still be vaccinated once you have recovered. If you previously had the older Zostavax vaccine, please tell us, as you may still benefit from Shingrix.
Please talk to us first if you
- have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix or any of its ingredients
- are unwell with a fever on the day (we will postpone your vaccine)
- currently have a shingles rash
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication
- have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild to moderate and settle within 2 to 3 days. They are more common than with some other vaccines, so it can help to plan a quiet day after each dose.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people):
- Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Tiredness, muscle aches and headache
- Chills and fever
- Upset stomach, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain
Common (up to 1 in 10): itching at the injection site and generally feeling unwell.
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100): swollen glands and joint pain.
Rare or very rare: allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can happen with any vaccine, which is why we ask you to wait for 15 minutes after your injection. A slightly increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (about 3 extra cases per million doses in people aged 65 and over) has been reported.
Paracetamol can help with a sore arm or fever. Contact us if you are worried about any symptom, and call 999 or 112 if you have difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
The full list of side effects is in the vaccine's patient information leaflet, available from the HSE National Immunisation Office.
| Shingrix, full course (2 doses) | €450 |
The shingles vaccine is only available privately in Ireland. It is not covered by the medical card, GP visit card or Drug Payment Scheme. See our full fees page for all prices.
Call ahead before booking
Shingrix is ordered in specially for each patient, so please call us first and we will order your vaccine and arrange both appointments.
Complete our consent form
Once your appointment is booked, please complete our shingles vaccine consent form before you arrive. It asks a few health questions so your nurse can check the vaccine is suitable for you, and makes your appointment quicker.
Complete consent form →Please call us before booking so we can order your vaccine.