Quick answer
What is shingles vaccine used for?
The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of getting shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia — lasting nerve pain after shingles. In the UK it is offered on the NHS to adults turning 65 and aged 70 to 79, and to people aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. One dose provides long-lasting protection.
Why vaccinate against shingles?
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox — reactivating in later life. It becomes more common with age and can cause post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — nerve pain that persists for months or years after the rash heals. The shingles vaccine dramatically reduces both shingles and PHN.
Who is eligible on the NHS
The NHS shingles vaccination programme uses the Shingrix vaccine. Eligibility (check current guidance as it expands):
- adults turning 65 — invited around your 65th birthday
- adults aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated — catch-up programme
- adults aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
You will receive an invitation — contact your GP surgery if you believe you are eligible but have not been contacted.
People not eligible on the NHS can sometimes pay privately at a pharmacy — typically £200+ for the two-dose course.
How Shingrix works
Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine — it cannot cause shingles. It trains the immune system using part of the varicella-zoster virus plus an adjuvant that boosts the response.
Two doses are given 2 to 6 months apart for full protection. One dose provides partial protection; complete the course.
Side effects
Shingrix commonly causes temporary side effects — more so than some other vaccines:
- sore, swollen arm
- muscle ache and fatigue
- headache
- fever and chills
- stomach upset
Most resolve within 1 to 2 days. Paracetamol can help. Side effects indicate the immune system is responding.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Shingles vaccine vs chickenpox vaccine
These are different vaccines for different purposes. The chickenpox vaccine prevents initial chickenpox infection. The shingles vaccine prevents reactivation in people who already carry the virus. Most UK adults over 50 had chickenpox as children whether they remember it or not.
If you currently have shingles
Do not vaccinate during an active shingles episode. Wait until the rash has completely healed. Antiviral treatment for active shingles is separate from vaccination — see our shingles guide.
If you have already had shingles
Previous shingles does not prevent recurrence. Vaccination reduces the risk of another episode and of PHN. GP advice is to vaccinate once recovered.
Shingles vaccine and other vaccines
Shingrix can be given at the same time as flu and COVID-19 vaccines, usually in different arms. Tell the vaccinator about recent vaccinations.
Long-term protection
Shingrix provides strong, long-lasting immunity — studies show protection for at least 10 years. You typically do not need regular boosters after completing the two-dose course.
Reducing shingles risk without vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective prevention. General immune health — managing stress, treating conditions that weaken immunity, and seeking early antiviral treatment if shingles occurs — also helps. But vaccination is the key intervention for eligible age groups.
Common questions
- Who is eligible for the free NHS shingles vaccine?
- Adults turning 65, people aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated, and people aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Eligibility is being expanded — check current NHS guidance for the latest age groups.
- How effective is the shingles vaccine?
- Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults over 50. Protection lasts many years after a single course (usually two doses given 2 to 6 months apart for Shingrix).
- Can I have the shingles vaccine if I have already had shingles?
- Yes. Having had shingles does not prevent it recurring. Vaccination reduces the risk of another episode and of post-herpetic neuralgia. Wait until the shingles rash has completely healed before vaccinating.
- What are the side effects?
- Common — sore arm, muscle ache, tiredness, headache, fever, and feeling sick for 1 to 2 days. Shingrix tends to cause more noticeable side effects than some other vaccines but they are short-lived. Serious reactions are rare.
- Can I have the shingles vaccine if I never had chickenpox?
- Most people born before varicella vaccination were exposed to chickenpox even without a clear memory of it. A GP can advise — blood tests can check immunity if uncertain. The vaccine is for preventing shingles, not chickenpox.