Shingles can indeed be a painful and debilitating condition, particularly for individuals over the age of 50. At Private Medical Clinic, we offer a comprehensive solution with the Shingles vaccination, designed to prevent shingles and the associated post-herpetic neuralgia. This vaccine is essential for safeguarding your health and well-being.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Shingles is a viral infection that can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox. It often emerges after the age of 50 but can strike at any time for those with a history of chickenpox. The virus responsible for chickenpox, varicella-zoster, can remain dormant in the body for years and then resurface as shingles.
The condition typically manifests as a painful rash, often appearing on one side of the body. Common sites for the rash include the waist, chest, abdomen, back, face, mouth, ears, and eyes. The pain associated with shingles is primarily due to nerve involvement, not the rash itself.
Symptoms of shingles include blistering rashes, typically affecting the chest, back, abdomen, and waist. While shingles is contagious until the blisters dry up and crust over, it can be prevented with the Shingles vaccine.
At Private Medical Clinic, we offer the Shingles vaccine to provide you with the best protection against this painful condition. The vaccine is particularly crucial if you are over the age of 50 or have had chickenpox in the past. Our vaccination process consists of two doses administered eight weeks apart.
The Shingles vaccine not only defends against shingles but also offers protection from chickenpox. Even if you’ve had shingles before, the vaccine can still be beneficial. It’s important to note that if you haven’t had chickenpox or been exposed to it, you cannot get shingles.
Book your Shingles vaccination using our streamlined booking process
Book your shingles vaccine through our online calendar. Simply select a date and time that works for you, enter your details, and one of our experienced GPs will walk you through the necessary steps.
The shingles vaccine, also known as the herpes zoster vaccine, is used to prevent shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). The most common shingles vaccine in the UK is Shingrix. Like any vaccine, it can have side effects, although most are mild and temporary.
Common side effects of the shingles vaccine can include:
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Headache.
Muscle pain.
Fatigue.
Fever.
These side effects usually occur within a day or two of receiving the vaccine and typically resolve on their own within a few days.
In some cases, individuals may experience more significant side effects, such as:
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) – though this is very rare.
Swelling of the arm where the injection was given.
A rash or hives.
Joint pain.
It’s important to note that the risk of serious side effects from the shingles vaccine is very low compared to the potential benefits of preventing shingles and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia.
If you have concerns about receiving the shingles vaccine or experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact us and our team of experienced GPs will be more than happy to assist.
Private Medical Clinic is proud to be led by a team of experienced and compassionate medical professionals. Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare services to our patients.
Each team member brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and compassion to their roles, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care possible. From our skilled doctors and specialists to our attentive administrative professionals, we work collaboratively to create a seamless patient experience.
Dr Simon Khela
Consultant Private GP
Dr Simon Khela is an experienced private GP and the medical director of Private Medical Clinic. He has a special interest in lifestyle & functional medicine.
