Shingles Vaccination
Shingles is characterised by a skin rash with painful blisters usually affecting one side of the body – typically the face or torso. It is caused by varicella zoster (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus can then lay inactive in the body and reactivate later, resulting in shingles. Shingles can appear once or repeatedly. It is possible to be vaccinated for shingles, which may be especially important as one ages in life. Torchwood Pharmacy offers Shingles vaccination in Sydenham or Streatham. Please visit our website for more details or to book in.
Who can get shingles?
Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox can get shingles.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms can include burning or shooting pain, tingling or itching, chills, fever, headache, upset stomach, and rashes or blisters that develop on one side of the body, usually on your face or around your waist. There are medicines that may help.
Who should get a shingles vaccine?
Healthy adults age 50 or over should talk to their medical professional about getting shingles vaccine in order to reduce their risk.
How long does a shingles vaccine last?
Protection received from the shingles vaccine lasts around 5 years.
Is there a minimum/maximum shingles vaccine age?
Whilst the vaccine is most effective in people aged 60-69, it also provides some protection in those aged 70 and older. The vaccine is advised to be considered age 50 plus.
What are the side effects of the shingles vaccine?
The most common side effects are generally mild. They include headache and discomfort at the injection site such as redness, pain, swelling, itching, warmth or bruising. Less frequently, a rash, which should be reported to your GP. Rarely, anaphylaxis can occur, which requires immediate medical attention.
How do I treat my shingles?
Treatments for shingles are straightforward. There are antiviral drugs if you start early. It can lessen symptoms and shorten the length of the illness if taken immediately. You may also need painkillers.
The shingles vaccine is an important strategy to maintain health as one grows older. Nearly half of all shingles cases occur in those 60 and over. As age increases, risks for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) increases, a constant pain that can lead to depression, anxiety and sleeplessness.
If you want to have the shingles vaccination in Sydenham or Streatham then contact Touchwood Pharmacy for rapid appointments and further information. https://www.touchwoodpharmacy.com/
