Adult vaccine
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine protects older adults against shingles — a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating — and its complications, including long-lasting nerve pain.
What it protects against
It reduces the risk of shingles and, importantly, of its most troublesome complication: prolonged nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Who it's for
It is offered to older adults (the eligible age is set by the NHS programme) and to some younger people with weakened immune systems.
How it works
The vaccine boosts immunity to the varicella-zoster virus (which stays dormant in the body after chickenpox), making reactivation as shingles less likely and less severe.
Safety
Safety and side effects
The vaccine is safe and effective; side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm, tiredness or headache for a day or two.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Shingles Vaccine: frequently asked questions
What is shingles?
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating years later. The vaccine reduces the risk of getting it and of lasting nerve pain afterwards.
Related
Other adult vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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