Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a common condition which can affect up to one third of adults in their lifetime (increasingly as people age).

It is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can present with fever, flu like symptoms, headache and then the classic rash, which will look like small blisters, usually in a stripe like pattern, affecting one side of the body. A tingling or burning sensation can be felt on the skin before the rash develops.

As people get older or if they have low immunity, the symptoms can be more severe and the risk of developing complications increases, including prolonged pain symptoms, blindness (if the eye is affected), temporary paralysis of the face and meningitis.

The Department of Health will be funding a Shingles vaccine (Zostavax) as part of their National Immunisation Program Schedule from the 1st November 2016.

The vaccine will be free for all patients aged 70-79.

If you are interested in finding out more, please make an appointment with your regular GP at Mead Medical.