Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles Vaccine for Travel

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Shingles vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox Herpes Zoster virus. Once you contract the virus it can remain dormant and become active again later in life developing, into shingles.

Vaccination Pricing

£225 or £450 dependent on vaccine used

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Pain & tingling

  • Rash with blisters

  • Fever

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

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

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.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. In some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or increasing age, the virus can reactivate years later and cause shingles. The condition typically affects one side of the body and often appears as a strip of blisters around the torso or face. Shingles is not life-threatening in most cases, but it can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, where nerve pain persists long after the rash has healed. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Shingles itself cannot be passed from one person to another, but the varicella-zoster virus can be spread to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, they may develop chickenpox, not shingles. This transmission occurs through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. Once the blisters crust over, the person is no longer contagious. To prevent the spread, individuals with shingles should keep the rash covered, avoid touching or scratching the affected area, and steer clear of vulnerable people such as pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The most effective way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. The Shingles vaccine is offered by the NHS to people in their 70s and certain individuals at higher risk, and it significantly reduces the likelihood of developing shingles and its complications. Even if a vaccinated person develops shingles, the symptoms tend to be milder and shorter in duration.

Shingles usually begins with a tingling, burning, or itching sensation on one side of the body, often accompanied by pain and sensitivity in the affected area. This discomfort can occur several days before any visible signs appear. A red rash typically follows, developing into clusters of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually dry out and form scabs over a period of one to two weeks. The rash most commonly appears on the torso, but it can also affect the face, eyes, or other parts of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and general malaise. In some cases, especially among older adults, the pain can be severe and persist for months or even years after the rash has healed. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia. If shingles affects the eye, it can lead to vision problems, and immediate medical attention is needed. Early antiviral treatment is crucial to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

The shingles vaccine provides long-lasting protection, although the exact duration can vary depending on the vaccine used. In the UK, the Shingrix vaccine is now the preferred option and offers over 90% protection against shingles and its complications. It is given as a course of two doses, usually two to six months apart, and is particularly effective in older adults. Protection from Shingrix is thought to last for at least 10 years, with research indicating that it may remain effective even longer. An older vaccine, Zostavax, which is a live vaccine given as a single dose, offered protection for around five to seven years and was used previously in the NHS programme. The move to Shingrix reflects its superior and longer-lasting protection. It’s important for eligible individuals to get vaccinated even if they’ve had shingles before, as it can recur.

The shingles vaccine is not a travel-related vaccination and is not required or recommended specifically for visiting particular countries. Rather, it is based on age and medical risk factors. However, if you are planning to travel and fall within the eligible age group or are considered clinically vulnerable, it is advisable to ensure you are vaccinated before your trip. Travelling (particularly long-haul or to areas with limited access to healthcare) can put additional strain on the immune system, which may increase the chance of shingles reactivating. Additionally, access to antiviral treatment abroad may be more limited, so vaccination beforehand provides peace of mind and protection wherever you go. The vaccine is available through the NHS in the UK and through private clinics if needed earlier or outside the eligibility criteria.

The shingles vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and short-lived. The Shingrix vaccine, as used in the current NHS programme, may cause temporary side effects such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. Some individuals may experience tiredness, headache, muscle aches, fever, or nausea. These effects are usually a sign that the immune system is responding appropriately. While Shingrix can cause stronger temporary reactions than older shingles vaccines, it provides significantly better protection. Serious side effects or allergic reactions are extremely rare. The Zostavax vaccine, which is no longer routinely used, had a lower rate of side effects but also lower efficacy, especially in older adults. Both vaccines are considered safe for the groups they are recommended for, and the benefits in preventing a painful and potentially debilitating condition far outweigh the small risk of side effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re Waiting To Help You

The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at the West Midlands Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

Striving to cover all your health and medical treatment requirements

We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.

get in touch