Shingrix Vaccines Now In Stock

The Shingrix vaccine promotes a strong immune response against shingles, with possible benefits against COVID-19 and other infections.

Shingles can have a devastating effect on your health and the symptoms can be long lasting. Until recently, Zostavax was the only vaccine available in the UK. We changed to Shingrix 2 years ago, as it provides much improved protection, particularly in older patients. Shingrix has proven over 90% effective in clinical trials and is not currently available on the NHS.

Vaccination schedule

Shingrix vaccine has not been available in the UK for many months, however, we have been fortunate to have some this year. Shingrix is suitable if you are aged 50 or over, however, we particularly encourage anyone over 65 years to consider this vaccination. It is also recommended if you are over 65 and have already had Zostavax, to boost your protection.

2 doses are required over a period of 2 to 6 months.

• £240 per dose for subscribing patients
• £250 per dose for member patients

As future supply is uncertain, we request that both doses are paid in advance to ensure your 2nd dose is reserved for you.

The importance of Shingrix during the pandemic

It appears that Shingrix has the ability to boost your levels of T cells. This may help to reduce your overall risk of infections; and there is evidence that it may protect you against COVID-19 for up to 2 years. T cells are immune boosting lymphocyte white cells which begin to diminish as we age. This is called T cells senescence and is one of the reasons that older people are more at risk of infections and respond less well to vaccinations.

Shingrix and coronavirus

Shingrix is not in any way a substitute for the coronavirus vaccine, which hopefully we will be receiving in the coming weeks and months; and will not interact or interfere with a coronavirus vaccination. Current recommendations are for you to allow 7 days between the coronavirus and other vaccinations; however, we would suggest you allow 14 days for any potential side effects to settle.

The possible benefits of Shingrix providing some protection against coronavirus and other infections was discussed in an interview with Prof Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine, University of Oxford, in a Royal Society of Medicine webinar in September 2020. The relevant section is discussed from minutes 28 – 35  if you would like to skip straight to it.

As vaccine supply is limited, please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to proceed with this vaccination.