Almost everyone is at risk of shingles because they are likely to have been exposed to chickenpox, even if they have no history of clinical chickenpox or chickenpox vaccination. Following chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerves near the spine and may re-emerge many years later as shingles. Shingles most commonly affects older adults or people of any age with a weakened immune system.

One dose of Zostavax® is indicated for the prevention of shingles. It can be given to patients who have previously had shingles. 

• One dose of Zostavax is funded for adults aged 65 years and over with your GP.
• The catch-up programme for people aged 66–80 years inclusively has been EXTENDED TO 31 December 2021.
• Funded vaccine doses are only available through general practice. 

Zostavax is also available for individuals aged 50–64 years or 81 years or older to purchase through us at the Pharmacy.  If you would like a shingles vaccines please ring and speak to our Pharmacists to check availability and cost.

This vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, and as a live viral vaccine, is not suitable for some people with medical conditions or who are receiving treatments that affect their immune system. It is important to seek medical advice before receiving this vaccine.