Herpes-zoster (Shingles) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox.  The shingles rash occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in the nerve tissue, causing inflammation of the nerves. This results in pain and a blistery rash. Sometimes pain in the affected region can be severe and prolonged and can result in “post herpetic neuralgia”. This is especially common for people over 70. Other less common complications may include scarring, skin infections, loss of vision or hearing, pneumonia, or neurological complications.

97% of people carry the virus that causes shingles.   1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their life time.

Varicella Zoster Virus (ZOSTAVAX) is now available.
ZOSTAVAX is being provided FREE at our surgery for people aged 70 years through the National Immunisation program. 
​A catch up program is available for ages 71 - 79 until 31/10/21

The Vaccine:

ZOSTAVAX is a live vaccination.​

It is administered as a single subcutaneous injection into the upper arm.
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The vaccination can decrease the incidence of Post Herpetic neuralgia by 67% in adults over the age of 60yrs

Protection from vaccination tends to decline with older age at vaccination, and the time since vaccination. However, a booster dose is not currently recommended.


As ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened live chickenpox virus, tell your doctor if you will be in close contact with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system.

Recommended for:

The vaccination is recommended for adults 50 yrs and older.
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You should NOT have the vaccination if you have:
  •  previously had a reaction to any component of the vaccination including gelatin or neomycin
  • a primary or an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome such as leukaemia, lymphoma or HIV
  • been taking immunosuppressant’s such as high dose corticosteroids, methotrexate or are on chemotherapy.
  • Active and untreated TB
  • Pregnant  (including 3 month post vaccination) or breast feeding
  •  a fever > 38.5deg C
 
Please advise your doctor if you have been diagnosed with shingles in the last 12 months.

Zostavax can be given at the same time as influenza and/or pneumococcal vaccine.

Adverse Reactions:

The vaccination is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include redness, pain and tenderness, swelling and itch at the injection site.
Less than 6% of patients may also experience headaches, muscle aches, fever and a rash.
Serious side effects are uncommon.