Travel vaccine
Shingles
A vaccine that helps protect older adults and those with weakened immunity against shingles and its complications.
What shingles is
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that gives children chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies quietly in your nerves and can reactivate years later, usually as you get older or when your immune system is run down. The rash typically appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body, and for some people the nerve pain it leaves behind can last for months.
How the vaccine helps
The shingles vaccine substantially reduces the chance of developing shingles and, importantly, lowers the risk of the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow it. It is given as two separate doses to build strong, durable protection, which is why finishing the full course matters.
Who tends to benefit
Risk rises with age and with conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system. If you fall into one of these groups, the vaccine is well worth considering. We are happy to check whether you may also be eligible for shingles vaccination through the NHS.
Ask in pharmacy
If you would like to discuss shingles protection, speak to our team at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road. Call 01270 215837 or call in during pharmacy opening hours and we will talk you through whether the vaccine is suitable for you.
How it spreads
Caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus that stays dormant in the body after a childhood infection, rather than being caught from someone else.
Who should be vaccinated
Older adults and people with a weakened immune system who are at greater risk of shingles and lasting nerve pain.
Vaccination schedule
Two doses given two to six months apart.
Boosters
No routine booster is currently advised once both doses are complete.
Possible side effects
Sore arm at the injection site, headache, tiredness and aching muscles for a couple of days.
Shingles — frequently asked questions
Who should have the shingles vaccine in Crewe?
The shingles vaccine is mainly for older adults and people with a weakened immune system, as both groups face a higher risk of shingles and lasting nerve pain. Risk rises steadily with age. If you fall into either group and want to protect yourself, our team at Crewe Pharmacy can check whether the vaccine is suitable for you.
How many doses of the shingles vaccine do I need?
You need 2 doses of the shingles vaccine for full protection. The two injections are given two to six months apart, and completing both matters because the course is designed to build strong, durable immunity. A single dose on its own does not offer the same level of cover against shingles and its complications.
How long does protection from the shingles vaccine last?
Protection from the completed two-dose course is long lasting and no routine booster is currently advised once both doses are finished. The vaccine substantially reduces your chance of developing shingles for years afterwards. If guidance on boosters changes in future, our team at Crewe Pharmacy can let you know at your next visit.
Does the shingles vaccine stop the nerve pain after shingles?
Yes, lowering the risk of long-lasting nerve pain is one of the main benefits of the shingles vaccine. This pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia, can linger for months after the rash clears and is harder to treat than the rash itself. By cutting both the chance of shingles and this complication, the vaccine offers worthwhile protection.
What are the side effects of the shingles vaccine?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. You may have a sore arm at the injection site, a headache, tiredness and aching muscles for a couple of days. These reactions are a normal sign your immune system is responding and usually settle on their own. Serious reactions are rare. Ask our team if anything concerns you afterwards.
Is the shingles vaccine free on the NHS or private at Crewe Pharmacy?
Some people qualify for shingles vaccination free on the NHS based on age or immune status, and we are happy to check whether you are eligible. If you are not covered by the NHS programme, you can have it privately at Crewe Pharmacy. This means you do not have to wait to reach an eligible age band to protect yourself.
How much does the shingles vaccine cost in Crewe?
The shingles vaccine costs £200 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. As the full course is two doses given two to six months apart, you should budget for both injections to gain complete protection. To discuss the price or arrange your vaccination, call 01270 215837 or call in to the pharmacy at 139-141 Nantwich Road during opening hours.
Can I catch shingles from someone else?
No, you cannot catch shingles itself from another person. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus that has stayed dormant in your body since a childhood infection. However, someone with an active shingles rash can pass the virus to a person who has never had chickenpox, who may then develop chickenpox rather than shingles.