Shingles Vaccination in Canterbury: Symptoms, Risks and Prevention
- Alice Monk
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
Most of us associate chickenpox with childhood. What many people don’t realise is that the same virus can return decades later as shingles.
Shingles is a common condition, particularly as we get older, and while many people recover fully, it can sometimes lead to complications that affect quality of life for months or even years.
The good news is that vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and its most serious complications.
What is shingles?
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After you've had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system. For most people, it never causes any further problems. However, years later, it can reactivate and cause shingles.
Unlike chickenpox, shingles usually affects a specific area of the body rather than causing a widespread rash.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
The first signs often appear before any rash develops and may include:
Tingling, burning or pain in one area of the body
Headache
Feeling generally unwell
Sensitivity of the skin
A few days later, a blistering rash typically appears on one side of the body or face. The rash can be painful and itchy, and the blisters eventually crust over and heal.
One of the distinctive features of shingles is that it usually follows the path of a nerve, creating a band-like rash rather than affecting the whole body.
If you think you may have shingles
If you think you may have shingles, don't wait to see if it settles on its own.
Speak to a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible. Early treatment may help reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications such as long-lasting nerve pain.
Who is most at risk?
Although shingles can occur at any age, the risk increases as we get older.
You may be more likely to develop shingles if you:
Are over 50
Have a weakened immune system
Are undergoing certain cancer treatments
Have an underlying health condition affecting immunity
Are taking medications that suppress the immune system
The likelihood of complications also increases with age.
Why can shingles be more serious than people realise?
Many people assume shingles is simply an uncomfortable rash. While that can be true for some, others experience much more significant symptoms.
Potential complications include:
Long-lasting nerve pain
The most common complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
This is persistent nerve pain that continues after the rash has healed. It can cause:
Burning pain
Sharp or stabbing sensations
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Sleep disruption
For some people, symptoms improve within months, but for others they can last much longer.
Eye problems
If shingles affects the eye area, it can lead to reduced vision and, in some cases, permanent sight problems.
Hearing and neurological complications
Shingles can sometimes lead to complications affecting hearing, facial movement or other parts of the nervous system. Serious complications are uncommon, but the risk increases with age and underlying health conditions.
How common is shingles?
Shingles is far from rare.
According to UK Health Security Agency information, around one in five people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles at some point in their lives.
Because many adults have had chickenpox, sometimes without realising it, shingles is a relevant health risk for a large proportion of people as they get older.
Can you get shingles more than once?
Yes.
Many people are surprised to learn that having shingles once does not guarantee immunity.
You can develop shingles more than once, which is one reason vaccination is still recommended for eligible individuals who have previously had the condition.
How can the shingles vaccine help?
The shingles vaccine helps your immune system keep the dormant virus under control, reducing the likelihood that it will reactivate.
Vaccination can:
Reduce your risk of developing shingles
Reduce the severity of illness if shingles does occur
Lower the risk of complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia
Help protect long-term quality of life as you get older
The vaccine used in the NHS shingles programme is Shingrix, a non-live vaccine given as a two-dose course.
Who can have the shingles vaccine?
The NHS shingles vaccination programme is being rolled out in phases and currently includes:
Adults turning 65
Adults aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated
People aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
The vaccine is given as a two-dose course. The timing of the second dose depends on your age and immune status.
Some people choose to access shingles vaccination privately if they are over 50 but not currently eligible through the NHS, or if they would prefer to arrange vaccination outside the NHS route, subject to clinical suitability. All Health Matter's current private service offers shingles vaccination for adults over 50.
Is the shingles vaccine safe?
The shingles vaccine used in the UK has been extensively studied and is widely used.
As with most vaccines, temporary side effects can occur, including:
Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Tiredness
Headache
Muscle aches
Mild flu-like symptoms
Most side effects are short-lived and resolve within a few days.
If you have concerns about whether a vaccine is suitable for you, a healthcare professional can advise based on your medical history.
A simple way to reduce the risk
Many people only discover how unpleasant shingles can be once they've experienced it themselves or seen a family member go through it.
Vaccination won't eliminate every health risk as we get older, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing a condition that causes considerable pain and disruption for many people.
It's easy to focus on the illnesses we hear about most often. Shingles tends to be different. People often don't think about it until they or someone close to them develops it.
Sometimes the most valuable vaccinations aren't the ones we think about every year – they're the ones that help us avoid a problem we'd rather never experience in the first place.
Shingles Vaccination in Canterbury
At All Health Matters, we offer private shingles vaccination for eligible adults at our Canterbury clinic.
If you'd like advice on whether the shingles vaccine may be suitable for you, our team can discuss your circumstances, answer any questions and help you understand your options. Contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get shingles if you've never had chickenpox?
Shingles only occurs if you've previously been infected with the chickenpox virus. However, many people had chickenpox as children and may not remember having it.
Can stress cause shingles?
Stress does not cause shingles in the same way that a virus causes an infection. However, stress may be one of several factors that affects the immune system and allows the dormant chickenpox virus to reactivate.
Should I have the vaccine if I've already had shingles?
Yes. You can get shingles more than once, so vaccination may still be recommended.
Is the shingles vaccine a live vaccine?
No. The vaccine currently used in the NHS shingles programme is Shingrix, which is a non-live vaccine.
Where can I find more information?
The NHS and UK Health Security Agency provide detailed information on shingles symptoms, treatment, eligibility and vaccination.
Where can I get a shingles vaccine in Canterbury?
At All Health Matters, we offer private shingles vaccination appointments at our Canterbury clinic for eligible adults. If you're unsure whether vaccination is appropriate for you, our team can provide advice and discuss your options.
Can I get a shingles vaccine privately?
Yes. Private shingles vaccination is available for eligible adults, including some people who are not currently eligible for vaccination through the NHS.
A private consultation can help you understand whether vaccination may be appropriate based on your age, medical history and individual circumstances.
Is the shingles vaccine available on the NHS?
The NHS shingles vaccination programme is available for eligible groups, including adults turning 65, adults aged 70 to 79, and people aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system. Eligibility criteria can change over time, so it's always worth checking the latest NHS guidance if you're unsure.
What age should you have the shingles vaccine?
The risk of shingles and its complications increases with age. In the UK, shingles vaccination is routinely offered through the NHS to specific age groups, while private vaccination may be available for eligible adults aged 50 and over.
The most appropriate timing can depend on your age, health and individual risk factors.
How much does a private shingles vaccine cost?
Private vaccination costs vary between providers and may change over time.
Because the shingles vaccine is given as a two-dose course, it's important to check whether the quoted price covers a single dose or the full course of treatment. Check our shingles vaccination service page for information about pricing and availability at our Canterbury clinic.
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