Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles typically starts with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by a painful rash on one side of the body or face. The rash forms small, fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over and heal within a couple of weeks. It usually affects a specific dermatome, which is an area of the skin that is supplied by a single sensory nerve. The most common location for the shingles rash is on the torso or waistline, but it can appear anywhere on the body and last for about 10 or 15 days.

In addition to the rash, individuals with shingles may also experience symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. The pain associated with shingles can be quite intense and may last for weeks, months, or even years after the rash has healed. This persistent pain is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and can have a significant impact on the affected person's quality of life.

Yes, shingles can be contagious, especially if an individual who has never had the chickenpox disease or vaccination comes into contact with the rash or fluid from the blisters. However, they will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

The risks and complications of shingles can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Some potential risks and complications include but is not limited to:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): This is the most common complication of shingles, where there is persistent nerve pain that can last for longer than three months or even years after the shingles rash has healed. The risk of post-herpetic neuralgia increases with advancing age. It is reduced by prior vaccination, but not by anti-viral tablets. Pain-relieving medication or tablets specific for nerve pain may be needed to help manage symptoms.
• Eye complications: Medical attention should be sought immediately for shingles affecting the upper half of the face. This can lead to various eye problems, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss if left untreated or if the infection spreads to the deeper layers of the eye.
• Skin infections: In some cases, the shingles rash can become infected with bacteria, leading to additional complications such as cellulitis or impetigo. Avoid pricking or scratching the blisters, and make sure that the affected skin site is kept clean to avoid secondary bacterial infection.
• Neurological complications: Shingles can affect the nerves, potentially leading to neurological complications such as facial paralysis (if the infection occurs near the facial nerve), hearing or balance problems (if the infection affects the inner ear), or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (myelitis) in rare cases.

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have shingles or experience any complications. Early treatment of shingles with anti-viral medications within 72 hours of the rash appearing can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and decrease the risk of potential complications.

There are currently two shingles vaccines available: Zostavax® and Shingrix®. Vaccines can reduce the risk of developing the infection or, if it does occur, decrease the severity and duration of symptoms. Check with your pharmacy if your state is eligible to vaccinate with either brand of the shingles vaccine.

Proper hygiene practices, such as avoiding direct contact with the fluid in the blisters of an infected individual or sheets and clothes soiled with discharge from the spot, can help prevent the transmission of the virus.

In addition to direct contact, shingles can also be spread via the air through coughing and sneezing if the blisters are present in the mouth of the infected person.

You can receive a Shingles vaccination all year round.

Yes, booking in advance helps ensure the vaccine is available and allows our pharmacy team to provide you with a smooth experience.

If you’re unable to book ahead, please contact your local 777 Pharmacist to check whether a same-day appointment can be accommodated.

You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most reactions are mild and last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Common side effects that may present 1 to 3 days after shingles vaccination include:

• pain, redness and swelling at injection site
• tiredness, muscle aches, headaches and fever
• gastrointestinal symptoms.

Serious reactions to immunisation are rare. 

Speak with your health professional about possible side effects of shingles vaccines, or if you have possible side effects that worry you.

The Shingles vaccine is free for those covered under NIP.

Like all vaccines, the Shingles vaccine is used to prevent the risk and severity of infection, rather than treating an active disease outbreak.

For the shingles vaccine, it works by boosting your immune system to fight the dormant chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster - Opens in new tab) that causes shingles, and it's recommended even if you've had shingles before.

Yes, vaccination is still recommended for those who have had shingles infection in the past. However, people should wait at least 12 months after an episode of shingles to receive a shingles vaccine.

Those who are immunocompromised can receive Shingrix from 3 months after an episode of shingles.