Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often occurs on one side of the body, particularly prevalent in people in their 50s or older who have a history of chickenpox infection. The shingles vaccine has been shown to prevent the disease with 91% effectiveness. Therefore, it has been given the green light for widespread use. Keep reading to know how much a shingles vaccine costs and its effectiveness in West Midlands.
How often should you get the shingles vaccine in West Midlands?
Shingles is a viral infection that can cause an unpleasant blistering rash and, in some circumstances, leads to ongoing nerve pain. In extremely rare situations, it may even cause blindness.
Shingles can be prevented by getting vaccinated against the virus that causes it.
In the West Midlands, two different vaccines are available to prevent shingles:
Zostavax
- One dose of the live shingles vaccine can minimise the likelihood of getting shingles.
- This is the vaccine that's being used by the NHS the majority of the time.
Shingrix
- This non-live vaccine for shingles needs to be given twice, at least 2 months apart. It has an adjuvant (activator) and a small amount of varicella-zoster virus.
- An adjuvant is a component that boosts the immune system's reaction to a stimulus (such as bacteria, viruses, or a chemical that appears foreign and hazardous) so that the body can better defend itself.
- A non-live vaccine is used for those with compromised immune systems.
How many years does a shingles vaccine last?
Although the exact duration of protection offered by the shingles vaccination is unknown, studies have shown it to be at least 5 years and likely much longer.
As a person gets older, the live shingles vaccination loses some of its effectiveness, and after about 5 or 6 years, the vaccine is no longer effective at all.
Is it worth having the shingles vaccine?
Shingles is a condition that can lead to excruciating pain and is difficult to diagnose.
It is relatively frequent and can be accompanied by severe complications that can be very challenging to treat.
Getting vaccinated is by far the most effective approach to protect yourself from getting shingles.
How much should a shingles vaccine cost in West Midlands?
As people age, they are more likely to contract shingles and experience severe symptoms if they do.
Moreover, you are more likely to develop shingles if you have ever had chickenpox.
The average shingles vaccine cost at West Midlands Travel Clinic is £210 per course.
Take advantage of our no-cost consultation and learn everything you need about our shingles vaccination before you travel.
Book an appointment now.
