Get your Shingles Vaccine for Travel from Cheltenham Travel Clinic

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Shingles Vaccine

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.

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Vaccination Pricing

£225 or £450 dependent on vaccine used

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain and tingling
Rash on the neck, head and around the eyes
Rash on the upper body on one side
Fever

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

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Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

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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.

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 a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate years later as shingles. While shingles can occur at any age, it is most common in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. It can lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain) and, in rare cases, vision or hearing problems if it affects specific nerve pathways.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Shingles itself is not spread from person to person; however, the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted from someone with shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine, potentially causing chickenpox rather than shingles. This usually occurs through direct contact with the fluid from the rash blisters. Prevention involves receiving the shingles vaccine, which reduces both the risk of developing shingles and the severity of the disease if it does occur. The vaccine is particularly recommended for adults over the age of 50 and those with certain health conditions.

What are the symptoms?

Shingles typically begins with a burning, tingling, or painful sensation in one area of the body, often followed by the appearance of a red rash and fluid-filled blisters. The rash usually appears on one side of the body or face and can be intensely painful. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. Some people may experience long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) after the rash has healed.

How long does the vaccine last?

There are two shingles vaccines available: Zostavax (a live vaccine) and Shingrix (a non-live recombinant vaccine). Shingrix is now the preferred option in the UK due to its higher efficacy. Shingrix provides strong protection for at least 7 years, possibly longer, and is given as a two-dose course. Zostavax is a single-dose vaccine that offers protection for around 5 years but is less effective in older adults.

Countries I need the vaccine for

Shingles vaccination is not required for travel purposes. It is part of the UK’s preventive care for older adults and those at risk due to weakened immunity. However, getting vaccinated can be beneficial before long-term travel to ensure health protection away from home.

Vaccine Side effects

Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and low-grade fever. Some people may experience a mild rash. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare.