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Shingles vaccine

Private Vaccination Service

Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
Hampstead, London

Protect yourself from the pain of shingles. Over 90% effective in clinical trials. Available now for ages 50+ and at-risk adults 18+.

£230 per dose · 2 doses required · No waiting list

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✓ Administered by specialist pharmacists · ✓ GPhC-regulated clinic · ✓ Home visits available

Why Choose Our Private Clinic?

🕑
Immediate Availability

No waiting lists. We hold dedicated Shingrix stock for private patients.

✅
Wider Eligibility

We vaccinate anyone aged 50+, as well as at-risk adults aged 18+ including immunocompromised patients.

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Expert Care

Administered by specialist pharmacists in our GPhC-regulated clinical environment.

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Face-to-Face Consultation

We review your full medical history to ensure safety and suitability before every vaccination.

90%+
Efficacy in clinical trials
2 Doses
For full protection
10+ Years
Duration of protection
1 in 4
Adults will get shingles

Am I Missing Out on NHS Cover?

Find out if you are eligible for the Shingles vaccine via the NHS or our Private Clinic.

Patient Age / StatusNHS AvailabilityPrivate Availability (HH Pharmacy)
Aged 50–64 (Healthy/Immunocompetent)❌ Not yet eligible✅ Available now
Turning 65 (In the current programme year)✅ Eligible (Routine cohort)✅ Available now
Aged 66–67✅ Eligible (Enduring offer)✅ Available now
Aged 68–69 (Healthy/Immunocompetent)❌ Not yet eligible (NHS “Gap”)*✅ Available now
Turning 70 (In the current programme year)✅ Eligible (Routine cohort)✅ Available now
Aged 71–79✅ Eligible (Until 80th birthday)✅ Available now
Aged 80+ (Healthy/Immunocompetent)❌ Not eligible✅ Available now
Severely Immunosuppressed (Aged 18+)✅ Eligible (No upper age limit)✅ Available now (Broader criteria)

Understanding the 68–69 NHS “Gap”

Because the NHS is rolling out the vaccine in phases, patients who turned 65 before 1 September 2023 currently have to wait until their 70th birthday for NHS eligibility. However, you can choose to be vaccinated privately at any time.

Shingles

About the Shingrix Vaccine

What is Shingrix? Shingrix is the modern, non-live shingles vaccine. Unlike the older Zostavax vaccine (which the UK stopped using in 2023), Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles, even in older adults. Because it is a “non-live” vaccine, it is also safe for people with weakened immune systems.

Dosing Schedule

Patient GroupLicensed (SPC) Dose Interval
Standard (immunocompetent)2 months apart (may extend to 2–6 months if flexibility needed)
Immunodeficient / immunosuppressed1–2 months apart

Why do I need it?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant in your nerves. 1 in 4 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. It causes a painful, blistering rash and can lead to Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)—severe nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash heals.

“Five years later, I still take medicines for pain. My shingles rash quickly developed into open, oozing sores that in only a few days required me to be hospitalised. I could not eat, sleep, or perform even the most minor tasks. It was totally debilitating. The pain still limits my activity levels to this day.”

A 63-year-old harpist who was unable to continue playing due to shingles.

shingles

The pain from shingles has been compared to childbirth or passing a kidney stone. It can last for months or years after the rash goes away.

The shingles vaccine can help prevent shingles and its complications.

Emerging research on the potential benefits of the shingles vaccination beyond just preventing shingles
 

There is growing scientific interest in the wider health benefits of shingles vaccination. Several large-scale observational studies have suggested a link between receiving the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

One theory is that by preventing the reactivation of the virus—which can cause inflammation in the nervous system—the vaccine may help protect long-term brain health. Additionally, because shingles infection is known to temporarily increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, preventing the disease may also support broader cardiovascular health.

Important Note: This potential benefit is currently the subject of ongoing research and is not on the label (i.e., it is not a licensed medical use of the vaccine). Shingrix is authorised solely for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. However, many patients find this emerging evidence a compelling additional reason to prioritise their protection.

shingen

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is the Shingrix vaccine?
In clinical trials, Shingrix was over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults aged 50 and older. Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate continued strong protection for over a decade. Source: UK Green Book, Chapter 28a (August 2025).
Can immunocompromised people have the shingles vaccine?
Yes. Shingrix is a non-live vaccine and is safe for people who are immunocompromised. This includes those on immunosuppressive medication, anticipating immunosuppression, or recovering from an immunocompromising illness.
Can I get vaccinated if I've already had shingles?
Yes. If you have had shingles, Shingrix can help prevent future outbreaks. You should wait until the shingles rash has fully resolved before being vaccinated.
I had the old Zostavax vaccine. Can I still get Shingrix?
Yes. People who previously received Zostavax (the live vaccine used by the NHS before September 2023) can receive two doses of Shingrix. The first dose of Shingrix should be given at least 2 months after the Zostavax dose.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include a sore arm, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, shivering, fever, and nausea. These typically resolve within 2–3 days. Serious side effects are very rare.
Is there an upper age limit?
No. There is no upper age limit for the Shingrix vaccine. It can be given to adults of any age who meet the eligibility criteria.
Can Shingrix be given at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes. Shingrix can be given at the same time or at any interval before or after other vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine.
Do I need the shingles vaccine every year?
No. The Shingrix vaccination is a one-off course of two injections. Annual boosters are not required.
Could the shingles vaccine help prevent dementia?
Emerging research suggests a link between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of dementia. Studies published in 2024 and 2025 have found associations between Shingrix vaccination and 17–51% lower dementia risk compared to unvaccinated groups. However, this is not a licensed indication for the vaccine and remains the subject of ongoing research. Shingrix is authorised solely for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Understanding Shingles

I feel healthy; am I really at risk for shingles?
Yes. If you've had chickenpox (like 99% of adults over 50), the virus is already dormant in your body. Because our immune systems naturally weaken as we age, about 1 in 4 people will develop shingles in their lifetime—even if they feel perfectly healthy today.
How do you catch shingles?
You cannot "catch" shingles from someone else. It is caused by the reactivation of your own dormant chickenpox virus. However, if you have an active shingles rash, you can pass the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox, which would cause them to develop chickenpox (not shingles).
What is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
PHN is severe, long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the initial shingles rash has completely healed. It is the most common complication of shingles.
Is shingles serious?
Yes, it can be. Beyond the painful rash and the risk of debilitating long-term nerve pain (PHN), shingles can occasionally be life-threatening. In rare cases—particularly for those with severely weakened immune systems—the virus can spread to internal organs and cause complications like pneumonia.
Who is at an increased risk of shingles?
Your risk increases significantly as you get older. People with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions—such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus—are also at a much higher risk of developing the condition.

Cost of vaccinations against shingles with the non-live vaccine: £460 for the full course – 2 doses required 2 months apart (i.e. there is no consultation fees).

To schedule an appointment for the shingles vaccination in our clinic, please book a “Non-Travel Vaccination Appointment” online. 

Home visits are available for an additional fee (min £100). Please email info@hhpharmacy.co.uk for a quote.

 

The deposit paid at the time of booking an appointment will be deducted from the total service cost when you visit us, provided you adhere to our cancellation policy.