Shingles Vaccination in Hounslow

What Is Shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue. It can reactivate years or decades later, causing shingles: a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face.

While the rash itself resolves within 2–4 weeks, the most feared complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — chronic, often severe nerve pain that can persist for months or years after the rash has healed. PHN significantly affects quality of life and can be difficult to treat. Other complications include eye involvement (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), which can cause vision loss, and in rare cases bacterial superinfection, hearing problems, or encephalitis.

Around 1 in 4 people will develop shingles at some point in their life. The risk increases with age and is higher in people with weakened immune systems. Around 50,000 people are diagnosed with shingles each year in England.

Do I Need the Shingles Vaccine?

Shingrix (the recombinant shingles vaccine) is recommended for:

• Adults aged 50 and over — risk of shingles and PHN increases significantly with age
• Adults of any age with a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment
• Those who previously received the older Zostavax vaccine and wish to upgrade to the more effective Shingrix vaccine
• Anyone who has already had shingles — the vaccine can help prevent future episodes

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

At any time from age 50 onwards. Do not wait until you have had shingles — vaccination before an episode provides the best protection. If you have recently recovered from shingles, wait until the rash has fully healed before vaccinating. Contact us to book your appointment.

How Many Doses Do I Need?

Shingrix is given as a 2-dose course, with the second dose administered 2–6 months after the first. Both doses are essential for the full protective effect — Shingrix's high efficacy depends on completing the course. A single dose provides only partial protection.

Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine

Shingrix is known to cause more noticeable short-term side effects than many other vaccines — and this is actually a sign that the vaccine is working, triggering a strong immune response. Most people experience soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Systemic effects — fatigue, muscle aches, headache, shivering, fever, and nausea — are common and typically last 2–3 days. We advise planning your vaccination appointment on a day when you can rest if needed. Despite these temporary effects, the long-term protection provided by Shingrix far outweighs the short-term discomfort.

Shingles Vaccine Price in Hounslow

Shingrix is available at Hounslow Travel Clinic from £220 per dose. The full 2-dose course costs from £440.

Private Shingles Vaccination for Over-50s in Hounslow

If you do not qualify for the NHS shingles programme, or if you want earlier access to Shingrix, our clinic offers private shingles vaccination with flexible appointment times. Our pharmacists can answer any questions about the vaccine and ensure you receive both doses on the correct schedule for maximum protection.

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