Shingles Vaccine for Travel available at Worcester Travel Clinic

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Shingles Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Shingles

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has recovered from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body but instead lies dormant in the nerve tissue. For reasons not fully understood, the virus can reactivate later in life—often during periods of stress, weakened immunity, or advancing age—resulting in shingles. This condition typically causes a painful, blistering rash along one side of the body or face and can lead to complications such as long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia.

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Vaccination Pricing

£225 or £450 dependent on vaccine used

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain & tingling
Fever
Itching in the affected area
Sensitivity to touch
Rash with blisters

Rash can develop on the upper body on one side, also can develop on the neck, head and around the eyes.

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

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Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

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The Vaccination: Zostavax

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Boost Required
50 and over	1	N/A	N/A

The Vaccination: Shingrix

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Boost Required
50 and over or 18-50 and at increased risk	2	at least 2 months apart	N/A

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

What is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body but instead remains dormant in the nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. For reasons not entirely understood, the virus can reactivate years or even decades later, leading to shingles. The condition usually affects older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems, although it can occur at any age in those who have had chickenpox. Shingles typically presents as a painful rash that appears on one side of the body or face, often following the path of a nerve. The rash can form fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. In addition to the visible symptoms, many sufferers experience severe nerve pain, which can persist long after the rash has healed—a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. Shingles is not life-threatening, but the complications can be debilitating, particularly in older adults.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Shingles itself cannot be caught from someone else, but the varicella-zoster virus can be spread from a person with active shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, the exposed individual may develop chickenpox rather than shingles. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, and once the blisters have crusted over, the person is no longer considered contagious. The virus is not spread through coughing, sneezing, or casual contact. Prevention focuses primarily on vaccination. In the UK, a shingles vaccine is offered to people aged 70 to 79 as part of the NHS vaccination programme. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and, more importantly, lessens the severity and duration of the illness if it does occur. For individuals with weakened immune systems, a non-live vaccine may be used to offer protection. General hygiene measures, such as covering the rash and avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals, particularly pregnant women and those with compromised immunity, also help prevent spread.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of shingles often begin with a burning, tingling, or itching sensation in a specific area of the skin, usually on one side of the body or face. This is often accompanied by general feelings of unwellness, fatigue, headache, or a low-grade fever. Within a few days, a red rash typically appears in the same area, forming clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can be very painful and sensitive to touch. Over time, they burst, crust over, and heal over the course of several weeks. The most common areas affected include the chest, abdomen, back, and face, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Some people may also experience swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches. A serious complication is postherpetic neuralgia, where nerve pain continues for months or even years after the rash has gone. This pain can be intense and persistent, severely affecting quality of life. In rare cases, shingles can affect the eyes (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), leading to vision problems or even permanent eye damage.

How long does the vaccine last?

The shingles vaccine provides long-lasting protection, although the duration can vary depending on the type of vaccine administered. In the UK, two types of shingles vaccine are used: Zostavax, which is a live attenuated vaccine, and Shingrix, which is a non-live recombinant vaccine recommended for those with weakened immune systems. Zostavax offers protection for around five years, though some immunity may persist beyond this period. Shingrix, which is administered in two doses several months apart, is believed to provide longer-lasting immunity—up to ten years or more according to current evidence. Both vaccines are highly effective in reducing the risk of developing shingles and, crucially, the risk of long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. Booster doses are not routinely recommended at this time, but ongoing research may inform future policy. The vaccine is most effective when given before the onset of shingles, making timely administration vital for those in eligible age groups.

Countries I need the vaccine for

The shingles vaccine is not generally required for international travel, as shingles is not a disease that spreads through the environment or public exposure in the same way as diseases like yellow fever or hepatitis A. Rather, the need for the vaccine is based on individual health risk, particularly age and immune status, rather than destination. However, if you are planning to travel and fall into an age group or risk category that qualifies for the vaccine—such as adults over 70 or those with weakened immune systems—it is advisable to get vaccinated before your trip. Travel itself can be physically demanding and may increase stress levels, which in turn can trigger shingles in susceptible individuals. Being vaccinated helps ensure that your journey is not interrupted by a painful and potentially debilitating condition. Moreover, in some countries, access to antiviral medication or healthcare services might be limited, so pre-travel immunisation can serve as an important preventive step.

Vaccine side effects

The shingles vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Common reactions include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, headache, muscle pain, or mild fever. These symptoms usually indicate the body is building immunity and are not a cause for concern. Shingrix, which is given in two doses, may be associated with a slightly higher rate of side effects than Zostavax, but it also provides stronger and longer-lasting protection. Serious side effects are very rare but can include allergic reactions such as rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face. People with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine should avoid it. The live vaccine (Zostavax) is not suitable for individuals with severely weakened immune systems, although the non-live vaccine (Shingrix) can often be used safely in these cases. As always, a healthcare professional can help determine which vaccine is appropriate based on individual health status and medical history.