A vaccine that prevents shingles
Shingles vaccine
A vaccine that protects against shingles, a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
What is Shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine protects against shingles, a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again later in life, which can lead to long-lasting nerve pain. The modern UK vaccine, Shingrix, is non-live and is the preferred option, including for people with a weakened immune system; an older live vaccine, Zostavax, must be avoided in people who are significantly immunosuppressed. It is given as an injection, usually as two doses for the non-live vaccine. The most common effects are soreness where the injection is given and flu-like symptoms for a day or two. For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Shingles vaccine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
The shingles vaccine is a vaccine that protects against shingles, a painful rash that happens when the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in the body after childhood chickenpox, becomes active again later in life. Shingles can cause severe, sometimes long-lasting nerve pain. There are two types: the modern non-live vaccine (Shingrix), which is now the preferred option in the UK and is suitable even for many people with a weakened immune system, and an older live vaccine (Zostavax). It is offered within the UK health service to older adults and to certain people at higher risk, and is given as an injection.
How it works
The vaccine boosts the immune system's memory of the chickenpox and shingles virus so that the body is better able to keep the dormant virus in check and stop it reactivating into shingles. The modern non-live vaccine contains a piece of the virus rather than a weakened whole virus, which is why it can be used safely in many people with weakened immunity and why it is usually given as two doses to build strong, lasting protection. The older live vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus, which is why it must not be used in people who are significantly immunosuppressed. Vaccinating reduces both the chance of getting shingles and the risk of the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow it.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A vaccine offered in the UK as part of the UK immunisation schedule to protect older adults and certain at-risk people against shingles.
Practical use
How to take Shingles vaccine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by a nurse or doctor as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
- For the non-live vaccine, have both doses as advised, as the second dose builds strong, lasting protection.
- Tell the team about any weakened immune system, so the non-live (preferred) vaccine is used rather than the older live one.
- Expect mild soreness where the injection is given, plus possible flu-like effects for a day or two.
- For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Shingles vaccine
Advantages
- Reduces the chance of getting shingles and the risk of long-lasting nerve pain that can follow it.
- The modern non-live vaccine can be used safely in many people with a weakened immune system.
- Part of the UK immunisation schedule for older adults and certain at-risk groups.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes soreness where the injection is given and short-lived flu-like effects.
- The older live vaccine must be avoided in people who are significantly immunosuppressed.
- The non-live vaccine usually needs two doses to give full protection.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important distinction is between the two vaccines. The modern UK vaccine, Shingrix, is non-live and is the preferred choice; because it does not contain live virus, it can be given to many people with a weakened immune system. The older live vaccine, Zostavax, must be avoided in people who are significantly immunosuppressed, because a live vaccine can be dangerous for them. The non-live vaccine is usually given as two doses to build strong protection. Common effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given, along with tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a mild raised temperature for a day or two, which are signs the immune system is responding and settle on their own. Tell the team about any weakened immune system so the right vaccine is used. For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient should not have it.
- The older live vaccine must not be used in people who are significantly immunosuppressed; the non-live vaccine is preferred for them.
- If you are unwell with a high temperature, it may be delayed until you are better.
Monitoring
- Being observed briefly after the injection in case of a rare immediate allergic reaction.
- Checking that the right vaccine (non-live, preferred) is used for people with weakened immunity.
- Making sure both doses of the non-live vaccine are completed on schedule.
Side effects
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given.
- Tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a mild raised temperature for a day or two.
- Rarely, a serious allergic reaction soon after the injection, which the team is prepared to treat.
Key interactions
- It can often be given at the same visit as some other vaccines, which the team will arrange safely.
- Tell the team about any medicines or conditions that weaken the immune system, so the right vaccine is chosen.
- There are few other routine medicine interactions, but tell the team about all your medicines.
Available as: A suspension for injection, usually into the upper arm.
Answers
Shingles vaccine: frequently asked questions
What is the shingles vaccine for?
It protects against shingles, a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating later in life, and reduces the risk of long-lasting nerve pain that can follow.
What is the difference between Shingrix and Zostavax?
Shingrix is a modern non-live vaccine and the preferred option, suitable for many people with weakened immunity; Zostavax is an older live vaccine that must be avoided in people who are significantly immunosuppressed.
How many doses do I need?
The modern non-live vaccine is usually given as two doses to build strong, lasting protection; have both as advised.
Can I have it if my immune system is weak?
The non-live vaccine can be used in many people with weakened immunity, but the older live vaccine cannot; tell the team about any immune problems so the right one is used.
What side effects should I expect?
Most commonly soreness where the injection is given, along with tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a mild temperature for a day or two, which settle on their own.
The wider class
About Vaccine (shingles / herpes zoster)
Shingles vaccine belongs to the vaccine (shingles / herpes zoster) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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