Shingrix vaccination – questions answered

Update!

Shingrix is now able to be given to adults 18 years and above who are at increased risk of shingles. Previously only licensed from age 50, this is great news for the younger sufferers of what can be an extremely painful condition.

What is the Shingrix vaccination for?

Shingrix vaccination has an unexpected benefit of boosting T cell levels, which is of particular importance. If you are 18 or older, we believe the Shingrix vaccine can offer you additional immunity protection against infection during this extraordinary time. We thought it would be helpful to provide more details on this subject, together with further information in response to some of your questions. We hope you will find this informative.

Why is Shingrix vaccination particularly important at the moment?

Of particular importance is that the Shingrix vaccine appears to have a very significant effect of boosting our levels of T cells.

T cells are a vital part of our immune systems to fight infections. However, as we age, our bodies lose T cells (T cell senescence). This reduction increases the risk of older patients being more susceptible to infections. In our recent article, we provided a link to Episode 38 of the Royal Society of Medicine COVID-19 Series webinar. The place of Shingrix in improving T cell levels was briefly discussed (minutes 28 to 35) during this session. If you have not seen this, we would encourage you to view it.

Why is Shingrix vaccination relevant if I have had/am due for my COVID jab?

There is concern that Covid-19 variants may become prevalent and that these may be more resistant to current vaccines. Also, that during next autumn and winter, the world may see a significant rise in respiratory viral infections, including influenza. This was reported by Public Health England recently.

Boosting your T cell levels could play a very significant part in reducing the risk of these infections causing illness and possibly death, particularly in older patients.

Why is Shingrix better than Zostavax?

The main reason for the change from Zostavax to Shingrix vaccines is due to its very significantly improved effectiveness. Studies show Shingrix typically has over 95% efficacy in the over-65s. This effectiveness remains consistently high in patients over 70 or 80 and appears long-lasting. In contrast, Zostavax efficacy was only about 35 to 40% in the over-65s, reducing in older patients, and has now been withdrawn. Shingrix is suitable for all groups, and in particular if you carry a higher risk of shingles complications.

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by a dormant chicken pox virus becoming active again. This is usually years after the original chickenpox infection, and we know that this risk increases as we age. Patients who have not had chicken pox cannot get shingles. Although for most people shingles is a mild infection, it can lead to very serious side effects. Unfortunately, some of the lasting effects can be lifelong, and sadly, in a few patients, the infection can cause death.

Should I have a test to check if I’ve had chickenpox?

We are often asked if you should test to see if you have had chickenpox before having this vaccination. The expert opinion on this is no. Almost all UK adults are assumed to have had chickenpox, even if they were not aware of it. This vaccine is safe to be given to patients whether or not you have had chickenpox in the past.

If I’ve already had shingles, does that stop me from getting it again?

Patients often ask whether having an attack of shingles provides protection against it occurring again, precluding the need for vaccination. The answer again is no. In fact, an episode of shingles merely indicates that you are more susceptible to it. For these patients, it is even more important to consider vaccination.

I’ve got shingles. When can I get the vaccination?

There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles, but you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before being vaccinated.

I had the shingles vaccination at my NHS practice

Patients who have previously had the Zostavax vaccination can safely have Shingrix to improve their level of protection.

Shingrix vaccination schedule

For patients aged 18 and older, including those who previously had the Zostavax shingles vaccine, we would strongly encourage you to consider Shingrix vaccination. We are very conscious that this is a significantly expensive vaccine, and sadly, we have no control over the cost. You require 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart, to complete your course. We will ask for full payment when taking your booking to secure your 2nd dose.

• For registered patients the total charge is £480
• For non-registered patients the total cost is £500

Our philosophy is to remain in the vanguard of medical care. Providing Shingrix is now an important part of that philosophy.

What side effects can I expect?

As with most vaccines, there are some common reported side effects; however, these are generally mild and pass within a couple of days.

Typical examples include:
Tenderness at injection site or the arm
Headache
Feeling tired/achy

Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange your Shingrix vaccination appointment to ensure you benefit from this important protection.