Shingles

Shingles is a rash with blisters that is often painful. The rash usually occurs on only one part of the body and can last for several weeks.

• The virus that causes shingles is the same as the one that causes chickenpox.
• Once you have had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in your nerve cells.
• After many years, if your immune system (the body's natural defences) weakens (due to age, illness or medication you are taking), the virus can cause shingles.

The Shingrix vaccine helps protect adults against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long-lasting pain along the nerves that occurs after shingles.

Vaccination schedule

The Higher Council for Infectious Diseases (CSMI) recommends vaccination for the following people:

• Adults aged 65 and over, with 2 doses administered 2 to 6 months apart
• Adults aged 18 and over who are or will be immunocompromised due to illness or treatment, with 2 doses administered 1 to 2 months apart.

If patients have any doubts or questions about the vaccine, they should talk to their doctor.

They can also consult the patient information leaflet below in the ‘Further information’ section.