Shingles vaccine

The Shingles Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered two-dose course of Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) that helps prevent shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia, available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches for adults from age 50 (and from age 18 in certain immunocompromised groups).

Key facts

Who the shingles vaccine is for

• Adults 50 and over who want protection against shingles, especially those not yet eligible for the NHS programme
• Adults 60+ and 65+ who missed their NHS appointment or prefer a private route with flexible timing
• Adults 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system (e.g. after stem-cell transplant, on chemotherapy, with advanced HIV)
• People who previously had a shingles episode and want to reduce the risk of recurrence (usually given after the rash has fully resolved)

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to a Shingrix component; people who are acutely unwell with fever on the day; people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (the vaccine is generally deferred). The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How the service works

1. Select the course and complete payment online.
2. Call your chosen branch to book the first appointment:
   Holborn London: 020 8106 7084
   Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584
3. At the first appointment, our pharmacist confirms clinical suitability and administers the first dose into the upper arm.
4. Return 2 to 6 months later for the second dose. Your pharmacist will book this at the time of the first visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of Shingrix do I need?

Two doses are required for full protection. The second dose is normally given 2 to 6 months after the first. In adults who are immunocompromised or expected to become so, the interval can be shortened to 1 to 2 months on clinical advice. A single dose does not provide adequate protection.

How long does immunity last?

Clinical follow-up studies show protection of more than 90% against shingles in adults 50+ that has remained high for at least 10 years after the two-dose course. A routine booster is not currently recommended. The pharmacist will let you know if guidance changes.

Is Shingrix the same vaccine the NHS uses?

Yes. Shingrix is now the only shingles vaccine used in the NHS programme in England, having replaced the older live vaccine Zostavax. The difference with our private service is access: you do not need to fall into the current NHS eligibility window (the rollout is being phased to adults 60 and 65, with selected at-risk groups) and you can book at a time that suits you.

I have already had shingles. Should I still be vaccinated?

Yes. Having had shingles does not guarantee against another episode. Vaccination is usually recommended once the shingles rash has fully resolved, typically at least 6 to 12 months after the episode. Discuss timing with the pharmacist.

Can I have Shingrix with my flu jab?

Yes. Shingrix can be given at the same visit as the seasonal flu vaccine, in opposite arms. It can also be co-administered with the pneumococcal vaccine. The pharmacist will plan injection sites if you combine appointments.

What are the common side effects?

Shingrix can cause noticeable but short-lived reactions: sore arm, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle ache, tiredness, fever or shivering. These usually settle within 2 to 3 days and are more common after the second dose. Serious reactions are rare. A 15-minute observation period applies after each injection.

Safety

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability and check for acute illness
• Side-effect counselling and written aftercare information provided
• 15-minute observation period after injection

References

• NHS — Shingles vaccine overview
• Shingrix — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.