Shingles Vaccination in Birmingham
At the Oakley Medical Practice we offer the shingles vaccine for those aged 50 and above. The vaccine protects against this painful and potentially debilitating condition. Shingles, a blistering rash appears on one side of the body or face. This can lead to long-lasting complications, especially if left untreated.
Understanding Shingles and Its Risks
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body’s nervous system.
It can reactivate years later, typically when the immune system weakens due to age or health conditions, leading to shingles. Besides the painful rash, shingles can cause severe complications, including long- term nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can be difficult to manage.
Who Can Receive the Shingles Vaccine?
In the UK, if you are aged 70 and above you may be eligible for the shingles vaccine through your NHS Gp. For those aged 50 and over who want to take prevention action earlier, we offer a private vaccination option.
This private vaccine helps lower the risk of shingles and is particularly effective in preventing PHN. The vaccine provides a significant layer of protection and peace of mind.
Benefits of the Shingles Vaccination
The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. By getting vaccinated, you are actively reducing the likelihood of experiencing PHN. The vaccine also strengthens your immune response, helping to keep the varicella-zoster virus dormant and reducing the chances of reactivation.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
The vaccination is administered by an experienced nurse in a comfortable clinical setting. Our team will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. The vaccination itself is a straightforward injection and any potential side effects are generally mild.
Shingles is a viral infection. It causes a painful rash that can appear anywhere on your body. This could include your face, chest and tummy. The rash usually appears as blotches on your skin.
When people get chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) stays in the body. The virus becomes dormant but can be reactivated years later and cause shingles if your immune system is weakened. This can be due to stress or health conditions. The risk of developing shingles increases after the age of 50.
Treatment options for shingles will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the risk of complications. Mild cases may not require treatment but antiviral medication can speed up recovery. These are typically offered if you have a weakened immune system, severe pain or if your rash affects areas beyond the chest, tummy and back. Pain relief options are also recommended to help with pain. This includes paracetamol, steroid tablets or medicines for nerve pain.
The shingles vaccine protects against shingles and helps to build up your immunity to the virus. It’s recommended for adults aged 50 years and older with a severely weakened immune system. Adults from the age of 65 to 79 are all eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccination is offered in two doses and are given between six and twelve months apart.
