About the Shingles Vaccine at Abbeydale Pharmacy in Sheffield

Welcome to our informative guide on the Shingles vaccine, available at Abbeydale Pharmacy in Sheffield. This resource provides essential information on shingles, its symptoms, risks, and how the vaccine can help protect your long-term health.

What is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life as shingles. It most often affects older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Importance of the Shingles Vaccine

The Shingles vaccine is a safe, effective way to significantly reduce your risk of developing shingles and its potential complications, including long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia). Vaccination not only protects your health but can also reduce the severity and duration of illness if shingles does occur.

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

The vaccine is recommended for:

• Adults aged 50 and over

• Individuals with a weakened immune system (due to illness or treatment)

• Anyone who has previously had chickenpox or is unsure of their history

• Those looking to prevent recurrent episodes of shingles

Note: Even if you've already had shingles, the vaccine can help prevent future outbreaks.

Vaccine Schedule

At Abbeydale Pharmacy, we offer the Shingrix vaccine (non-live recombinant), which is:

• Given in two doses, spaced 2 to 6 months apart

• Over 90% effective in preventing shingles and its complications in older adults

Safety and Side Effects

The Shingles vaccine is well-researched and safe, with side effects typically being mild and short-lived. These may include:

• Pain or redness at the injection site

• Fatigue or headache

• Mild fever or muscle aches

Serious side effects are rare. Our pharmacists are here to discuss any concerns and ensure you're comfortable with the process.

Why Vaccinate?

• Protects against painful outbreaks of shingles

• Reduces the risk of long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia

• Helps maintain independence and quality of life in older adults

• Safe, quick, and long-lasting protection

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles typically presents as a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body or face. Symptoms may include:

• Burning, tingling, or numbness

• Red rash with fluid-filled blisters

• Pain that can persist after the rash clears (postherpetic neuralgia)

• Fever, chills, or headache in some cases

Early vaccination is the best way to avoid this painful condition.

Prevention

While there is no cure for shingles, prevention through vaccination is the most effective strategy. Additional steps to prevent spread include:

• Covering the rash until blisters scab over

• Avoiding contact with pregnant women, infants, or immunocompromised individuals while the rash is active

Get Vaccinated at Abbeydale Pharmacy in Sheffield

Protect your future health by booking your Shingles vaccine at Abbeydale Pharmacy. Our expert pharmacists offer fast, convenient service in a welcoming environment.

📍 Location:Abbeydale Pharmacy713 Abbeydale RoadSheffieldS7 2BE

📞 Contact Us:For more information, eligibility checks, or to book your Shingles vaccination, get in touch with our friendly team today.