GPhC-Registered ~ Free UK delivery over £50
What is Shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nerve tissues and can reactivate decades later, particularly as immunity naturally declines with age or stress.
Shingles produces a painful, blistering rash (usually on one side of the body or face) and can lead to post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a severe, long-lasting nerve pain that persists for months or years after the rash heals.
At Livewell Clinic Pharmacy, we provide a private Shingles Vaccination Service using Shingrix at our Soho, London clinic to help safeguard adults against shingles and its debilitating complications.
Why Get Vaccinated Against Shingles?
Vaccination is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of developing shingles and long-term nerve pain. Using Shingrix (the non-live, recombinant zoster vaccine), the service offers:
-
High & Long-Lasting Efficacy: Delivers over 90% protection against shingles and PHN in adults aged 50 and over, with protection remaining high for at least 10 years.
-
Prevents Severe Nerve Pain: Drastically reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia, a primary complication causing chronic burning or shooting nerve pain.
-
Non-Live Vaccine Safety: Because Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, it can safely be administered to individuals with immunocompromising conditions.
-
Flexible Private Access: Avoid strict NHS age-phasing criteria and receive protection at a time convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can receive the private shingles vaccine?
Our private service is suitable for adults aged 50 and over, as well as adults aged 18 and over who have a weakened immune system (due to medical conditions or treatments). It is ideal for individuals who fall outside current NHS age cohorts or prefer private booking flexibility.
How many doses are required?
Full protection requires a 2-dose course:
-
Standard schedule: The second dose is given 2 to 6 months after the first dose.
-
Immunocompromised schedule: The second dose may be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose based on clinical assessment.
Can I get vaccinated if I have already had shingles?
Yes. Having had shingles previously does not make you immune to future episodes. Vaccination is recommended to prevent recurrence once the acute rash has fully resolved (typically at least 6 to 12 months after the episode).
Is Shingrix the same vaccine used by the NHS?
Yes. Shingrix is the primary shingles vaccine used within the NHS national immunisation programme. Our private service gives immediate access to individuals who do not yet meet NHS age thresholds or want private convenience.
Who should NOT receive the vaccine?
You should postpone or avoid the Shingrix vaccine if you:
-
Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of Shingrix or any of its ingredients.
-
Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding (vaccination is generally deferred).
-
Are feeling unwell with a high fever or acute illness on the day of your appointment.
What are the common side effects?
Side effects are temporary and indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Common mild-to-moderate side effects (typically lasting 2 to 3 days) include:
-
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site in the upper arm
-
Muscle aches or headache
-
Fatigue, mild fever, or shivering
Can I get the shingles vaccine alongside other vaccines?
Yes. Shingrix can safely be administered at the same visit as the seasonal flu vaccine or pneumococcal vaccine using separate injection sites.
Book Your Shingles Vaccine Appointment
Protect yourself against shingles and long-term nerve pain in three simple steps:
-
Book Online: Select a convenient appointment time through our online booking system.
-
Consultation: Meet with our clinical pharmacist at our Soho location to review your eligibility and schedule your two doses.
-
Vaccination: Receive your jab safely in a comfortable clinical room.