Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Shingles vaccine

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body’s nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, typically when the immune system is weakened. When reactivated, it causes shingles, a painful condition characterised by a distinctive rash and nerve pain.

Vaccination Pricing

£225 or £450 dependent on vaccine used

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Pain & tingling

  • Rash with blisters

  • Fever

Rash can develop on the upper body on one side, also can develop on the neck, head and around the eyes.

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination: Zostavax

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Boost Required
50 and over 1 N/A N/A

The Vaccination: Shingrix

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Boost Required
50 and over or 18-50 and at increased risk 2 at least 2 months apart N/A

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life as shingles. The condition typically presents as a band or patch of painful, tingling skin, followed by a blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the body or face. While it can affect people of any age, shingles is most common in those over the age of 50 or in individuals with weakened immune systems. Though the rash usually heals within a few weeks, some people may experience long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, which can be debilitating.

Shingles itself cannot be passed from one person to another; however, the varicella-zoster virus can be spread from someone with shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, the newly infected person would develop chickenpox, not shingles. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, so keeping the rash covered and avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals (such as pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised people) is essential until the blisters crust over. The most effective way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. A shingles vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing the condition and, if it does occur, lessens its severity and duration.

The shingles vaccine provides long-lasting protection against both shingles and its complications. In the UK, the Shingrix vaccine is now the preferred option and is offered to people aged 65 and over, as well as to those aged 50 or over with weakened immune systems. Shingrix is given in two doses, two to six months apart, and has shown to offer strong protection for at least ten years, with ongoing studies indicating that this protection may last even longer. Another vaccine, Zostavax, was used in the past and required only a single dose, but it offers slightly shorter protection and is being phased out in favour of the more effective Shingrix.

The Shingles often begins with a tingling, burning, or painful sensation in a specific area of the skin, usually on one side of the body. This is followed by the appearance of a red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash most commonly affects the torso but can appear anywhere, including the face and eyes, which can be serious if not treated promptly. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. The rash usually crusts over and heals within two to four weeks, but nerve pain can persist for months or even years in some individuals, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. This complication becomes more likely with increasing age.

The shingles vaccine is not typically required for travel purposes and is not a condition of entry for any country. However, individuals planning extended trips—particularly those over 50 or with existing health conditions—should consider being vaccinated before travelling, especially if visiting areas where access to healthcare may be limited. This is particularly important for those who are immunocompromised or at risk of complications, as the availability of antiviral treatment abroad may vary. The vaccine provides peace of mind and protects against an illness that could be both painful and disruptive while travelling.

The shingles vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, though mild side effects are relatively common, particularly with the Shingrix vaccine. These can include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days and are a normal sign of the immune system responding to the vaccine. More serious side effects are rare, but anyone with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine should inform their healthcare provider before receiving it. Despite the potential for mild discomfort, the vaccine offers substantial protection against a very painful and often debilitating illness, making it a worthwhile preventive measure for eligible individuals.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re Waiting To Help You

The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Malvern Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

Striving to cover all your health and medical treatment requirements

We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.

get in touch