Shingles can be painful and, for some people, lead to complications that last long after the rash has cleared. Here’s what you need to know about shingles, who can get the NHS vaccine, and how vaccination can help protect you.
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At a glance
Shingles is a viral infection: It happens when the chickenpox virus already in your body becomes active again, usually causing a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body or face.
Risk increases with age: Shingles is more common and can be more severe in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, with complications including long-lasting nerve pain and, occasionally, eye problems.
Vaccination provides strong protection: The Shingrix vaccine greatly reduces the risk of shingles and its complications and is given as a two-dose course for long-lasting protection.
NHS vaccination is available: Eligible older adults and people aged 18 or over with severely weakened immune systems can receive the shingles vaccine free through the NHS.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone has chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body for many years and later reactivate as shingles.
It usually causes a painful, burning or tingling rash with small fluid-filled blisters, often appearing on one side of the body or face.
Shingles can affect people of any age but is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Although the rash usually improves within a few weeks, some people may experience ongoing nerve pain afterward, known as post-herpetic neuralgia.
Common symptoms of shingles
If you do get shingles, it typically starts with tingling or burning on one side of your body (often the torso, face, or neck). A red, blistering rash then appears in that area. Common symptoms include:
- Painful rash and blisters in a band or patch on one side of the body.
- Tingling, burning, or itching sensation in the affected area before and during the rash.
- Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue are common flu-like symptoms.
The rash usually crusts over in 2–4 weeks. In older adults, the pain and rash can be more severe. Remember, you cannot catch shingles from someone else, but you can catch chickenpox if you have never had it. Also, you can get shingles more than once in your lifetime (it’s a reactivation event, not a one-off immunity).
Why should older people have the shingles vaccine?
Older people should have the shingles vaccine because the risk of developing shingles and serious complications increases with age.
Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again in the body. It can cause a painful, burning rash, as well as tingling skin, headaches, fever and extreme tiredness.
Although many people recover within a few weeks, shingles can have long-lasting effects. One of the most serious complications is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes severe nerve pain that may continue for months or even years after the rash has disappeared. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to this complication and may experience more severe symptoms.
Shingles can also cause other serious problems, including vision difficulties if the infection affects the eye and, in rare cases, complications such as stroke. These effects can have a significant impact on an older person’s health, independence and quality of life.
The shingles vaccine is therefore especially important for older people because it reduces their risk of developing shingles and helps protect them from its potentially painful and long-lasting complications. Vaccination is a simple preventative measure that can help older adults remain healthier and avoid unnecessary illness.
Who can get the vaccine free on the NHS?
The NHS offers the shingles vaccine free of charge to eligible UK residents.
Eligibility and how appointments are arranged can vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Two doses of the vaccine give long-lasting protection. In fact, public health data show that before the vaccine program began in 2013, shingles caused some 4,500 hospital admissions a year in England, many of which could have been prevented by immunisation. Today, NHS policy makes the shingles jab part of routine care for older adults, helping thousands avoid illness.
People eligible for the free vaccine are:
- People turning 65 or 70: During the current phase of the programme, people turning 65 or 70 are eligible for Shingrix. Once eligible, they normally remain eligible until their 80th birthday.
- People aged 70–79: People in this age group who have not previously had a shingles vaccine remain eligible.
- Severely immunosuppressed adults aged 18+: People aged 18 or over who meet the definition of severe immunosuppression are eligible, with no upper age limit.
When you become eligible, your GP practice will usually invite you to book an appointment. You do not need to pay as it’s free on the NHS. If you believe you should be eligible (for example, you are 18+ with immunosuppression, or you turned 65 this year) but haven’t been contacted, simply phone your GP surgery to arrange the vaccine.
The rules for contacting eligible people can differ in the different UK countries, with people in Scotland told to wait for their local immunisation team to contact them.
The eligibility rules changed in 2023 to include younger people.
- If you turned 65 before September 2023, you will get the vaccine at 70.
- If you turned 65 after that, you are eligible now.
- If you are not sure, check with your GP.
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Benefits of the shingles vaccine
Greatly lowers your chance of shingles
In clinical trials, Shingrix (the current vaccine) was over 90% effective in preventing shingles for adults aged 50+. Even if you do get shingles after vaccination, symptoms are usually much milder.
Prevents long-term nerve pain
The vaccine cuts the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) by a large margin. Since PHN can be debilitating, avoiding it is a big win.
Helps even if you had chickenpox or previous shingles
Most adults in the UK have previously been infected with the chickenpox virus, often during childhood. The virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later as shingles. Vaccination gives long-lasting immunity to keep you safe in older age.
Long-lasting protection from a two-dose course
Unlike flu-jabs, you only need the shingles vaccine once (in two doses), and you will have long lasting protection. Booster doses are not part of the current NHS program.
In short, the vaccine is a quick, effective step that can prevent the risk of shingles and its complications.
Side effects and safety
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is very safe for most people. It can cause mild side effects that usually resolve quickly.
Injection site soreness, redness or swelling
Similar to other vaccinations, the injection site may cause mild pain or redness.
Tiredness or muscle aches, mild fever/chills
It’s very common to feel ill for a day or two after the vaccine.
Headache or mild fever
Some people experience a little fever for 1–2 days.
These side effects are temporary and a sign that your body is building immunity. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. The person administering the vaccine will ensure it’s safe for you, especially if you have a weakened immune system. Importantly, studies show the shingles vaccine is far safer than getting shingles itself (which can cause intense pain and complications).
How it works and follow-up vaccinations
Once you get the first dose, a second dose is scheduled 6-12 months later. This two-dose schedule is recommended for the best protection. After the second dose, your immunity is boosted substantially. You only need this one course (no yearly boosters needed).
However severely immunosuppressed people should receive two doses eight weeks to six months apart.
The NHS does not require any special blood tests beforehand, just a quick check and history by the nurse or pharmacist. You can even have it at the same time as the seasonal flu jab if needed.
Shingrix is not a live vaccine, so it cannot give you shingles.
Next steps
Check your eligibility: If you think you or an older person you care for may be eligible for the shingles vaccine, contact your GP practice to check eligibility and arrange an appointment.
Supporting someone with dementia: If you are supporting someone with dementia, they may need extra help understanding, remembering or attending vaccination appointments. Read our guide on how to support someone living with dementia to have a vaccine.
Check other vaccinations: It can also be helpful to check which other vaccinations are recommended for older people. Find out who is eligible for the flu vaccine and read our guide to the RSV vaccine for older people.
Consider support at home: If you or a loved one is finding everyday tasks or managing health needs at home increasingly difficult, home care can provide practical support while helping people remain independent. Find out who can get home care in the UK, or search for home care providers near you on homecare.co.uk.
FAQs
If I’ve already had chickenpox or shingles, do I need the vaccine?
Yes. Having chickenpox as a child means the virus is in your system (nearly everyone does). The vaccine helps your body fight it off before it causes shingles. Even those who’ve had a shingles episode get stronger protection from the vaccine.
Is the shingles vaccine safe?
Yes, the vaccine is safe. The NHS and health authorities confirm it is both safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild, such as a sore arm or feeling tired. Serious reactions are very rare. The benefits of avoiding severe shingles far outweigh these short-term side effects.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild. Common ones include mild pain or redness at the injection site, slight fever, headache, or feeling achy for a day or two. These are normal signs that the vaccine is working. If you have concerns, discuss them with your GP before vaccination.
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