What is shingles?
Shingles is a disease caused by the reawakening chickenpox virus. Shingles is more likely to occur in elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of shingles include a red rash often with associated severe pain. The rash is localised to one side of the body as it runs along a nerve. Known as “post-herpetic neuralgia” (PHN) the pain often lasts for weeks or months after the rash has healed.
The vaccine
We offer the newer shingles 2-dose vaccine called Shingrix as it appears much more effective against shingles than the older Zostavax vaccine. It is recommended for patients over 50 years of age and thos over the age of The second dose is usually given 2 after the first dose.
If you have previously suffered with Shingles you should still consider the vaccine.
Cost:
The Shingrix vaccine is expensive but studies are showing that it is very effective. The total cost we charge to to the patient is €230 per vaccine.
Please contact us if you wish to receive the vaccine or to discuss further.
