Vaccines

Have you talked to your Doctor about the Shingles vaccines? Find out more information below.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It results in a painful rash, often on one side of the body.

Symptoms:

• Pain, burning, or tingling

• Red rash with blisters

• Itching

• Fever and headache (sometimes)

The rash usually appears in a single stripe on the body or face.

Why should you get a shingles vaccination?
The vaccine not only helps reduce your risk of developing shingles, but can lessen the severity and duration of any symptoms if you do.

If you do get the shingles, the vaccine can reduce the severity of the symptoms and also the risk of developing post herpetic neuralgia, the long-lasting nerve pain that follows shingles.

How do I get the shingles vaccination?

If you wish to receive the shingles vaccine, please contact the surgery to order your vaccines over the phone.  We require you to make payment for these vaccines before we can order them.  You will then be contacted and booked in with our nurse once it arrives in the surgery.

TWO Doses Shingles vaccines = €450

The second dose is usually given two months after the first dose.

Who’s at risk from shingles?
Anyone who’s had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles, as the virus remains in certain nerves of the body and can become active again as time goes on. You may be at greater risk if you:

• Have a weakened immune system

• Are aged over 50

• Have become ill

• Are under significant stress

The shingles vaccine can be given to people aged 50 and over.  The shingles vaccine is called Shingrix.

You can get the vaccination year-round.  If you’ve had shingles before, you can still have the vaccination provided it’s been over one year since you have had shingles.

It is recommended to leave a gap of at least seven days between getting the COVID-19 vaccination and a shingles vaccination.

Certain people should avoid getting the shingles vaccine. These include:

• Pregnant women – The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.

• People with weakened immune systems – Such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or taking immune-suppressing medications.

• People with a severe allergy to vaccine components – Anyone allergic to ingredients in the shingles vaccine should not receive it.

• People with active shingles – If you currently have shingles, you should wait until the infection clears before getting the vaccine.

• Those who have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the shingles vaccine.

Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for you.

The shingles vaccines (like Shingrix) can cause some side effects, though most are mild and go away on their own. Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Muscle pain

• Tiredness (fatigue)

• Headache

• Fever and chills

• Upset stomach or nausea

More serious side effects are rare, but if someone experiences difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe allergic reactions, they should seek medical attention immediately. Most side effects are mild and last only 2-3 days.

If you develop a chickenpox rash after being vaccinated, you should avoid direct contact with people who haven’t had it until your rash is dry and crusted, e.g infant.

If you have any questions about the Shingles vaccine, speak to your GP. Further information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/