Shingles Vaccination Service
Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine for anyone aged 18 to 49 years at increased risk (weak immune system*) or 50 years and over.
The shingles vaccine is available directly from selected StayWell Pharmacies*.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a common viral infection caused by the reactivation of the same virus that leads to chickenpox—the varicella-zoster virus. After you’ve had chickenpox, this virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life, developing into shingles.
Around 1 in 4 people will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing as you get older. Shingles can occur when your immune system is weakened by factors like age, stress, or certain medical conditions and treatments (e.g., cancer or HIV). The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce your chances of developing shingles.
What is Shingles?
Shingles affects a nerve and the surrounding skin, causing a painful rash. While most people recover fully, some experience long-term nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can last for months or even years. The older you are, the higher the chance of developing PHN if you get shingles.
The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine not only reduces your risk of developing shingles but can also lessen the severity and duration of symptoms if you do. Additionally, it lowers the risk of developing PHN, a common complication in older individuals.
Available Shingles Vaccine:
Currently, Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) due to its high effectiveness and safety profile. NIAC, a health advisory body in Ireland, makes vaccine recommendations to protect public health.
- Shingrix: A non-live, recombinant vaccine with high efficacy, especially in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Shingrix is administered in two doses and is suitable for both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
- Zostavax: A live vaccine licensed for shingles prevention, but it is no longer recommended by NIAC as Shingrix is considered more effective and safe, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
Shingrix Efficacy Rates:
- Age 50–69: Up to 100% effective in preventing shingles.
- Age 70–79: Approximately 93% effective.
- Age 80+: Approximately 71% effective.
If you do get shingles, Shingrix can help reduce symptom severity and the risk of PHN.
How to Get the Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is available privately (subject to charge) at selected StayWell Pharmacies*, administered by specially trained StayWell pharmacist vaccinators. You can book an appointment online or call the pharmacy for a time that suits you.
- Shingrix: Given in two doses and available for individuals aged 50+ or those 18–49 with weakened immune systems.
Additional Information:
- If you’ve previously had shingles, you can still receive the vaccine as long as it’s been over a year since the infection.
- The Shingrix vaccine can be safely administered at the same time as other vaccines, including the unadjuvanted inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccines (PPV23), and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. When given together, each vaccine will be administered at a different injection site to ensure safety and effectiveness.
For further information about the Shingrix shingles vaccine click here
*The Shingles vaccines and its administration is subject to charge. Please contact your StayWell Pharmacy for pricing.
Who Should NOT Get the Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is not recommended if:
- You are pregnant. If breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
- You have a history of severe allergic reaction to any components of the vaccine.
- You have thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders—consult your pharmacist.
If you’re unsure, speak with your pharmacist, who can provide more information and advise whether the shingles vaccine is suitable for you.
Booking an Appointment
You can book an appointment or join the waitlist for vaccines at selected StayWell Pharmacies* by clicking the "Book" button online, visiting in-store, or calling the pharmacy.
*Appointment availability subject to stock and pharmacist vaccinator availability and eligibility criteria, this service is subject to charge. Selected StayWell Pharmacies only.
More Information
For more information see below about shingles, visit our FAQ page, or see Shingles - HSE.ie