A brief history
The connection between shingles and chickenpox was observed in the 19th century and later confirmed as two manifestations of the same virus. After chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus stays dormant in nerves and can reactivate years later as shingles.
How does it spread?
You do not catch shingles directly from another person: it develops through reactivation of virus already in your body. However, an active shingles rash can pass varicella-zoster virus to someone without immunity, causing chickenpox. Covering the rash helps reduce exposure.
Symptoms and possible complications
Shingles commonly causes pain or tingling followed by a blistering rash on one side of the body. Pain can persist after the rash heals, called post-herpetic neuralgia. Shingles affecting the eye can threaten vision, and other nerve complications can occur. Seek prompt advice, particularly for a rash near the eye or if your immune system is weakened.
Where it may be relevant
- Older adults within current NHS age cohorts
- Severely immunosuppressed adults meeting programme criteria
- People seeking a private age- and risk-based assessment
Dose schedules
The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.
Immunocompetent course
Eligible adults
Immunosuppressed course
Eligible adults
The interval is selected according to clinical circumstances.
Who may be eligible
- Adults for whom Shingrix is licensed and clinically appropriate
- Dose timing determined by age, immune status and previous shingles vaccination
Who may not be eligible
- Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
- People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually
Potential side effects
- Pain, redness or swelling where the injection is given
- Headache, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever
- Feeling faint around the time of vaccination
- Short-lived fatigue, chills and gastrointestinal symptoms are relatively common
Important risks and precautions
- A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
- Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
- The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment
Clinical references