02/09/2025
⁉️ Are you due for a shingles vaccine? It is funded and recommended for those aged 65 years (first dose must be given BEFORE age 66), as well as several other patient groups (including some immunocompromised people).
📞 Call us today to ask any questions about the vaccine, or to book in your appointment. We offer both funded and unfunded vaccines.
Did you know the shingles vaccination is free for 12 months after you turn 65?
Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life. 1 in 3 people will get shingles during their lifetime.
The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. The vaccine used in New Zealand is called Shingrix. You need 2 doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 50 and over. The vaccine is free for the 12 months after your 65th birthday.
➡️ What is shingles?
Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face, body or head. The rash is made up of small blisters that typically scab over after 7 to 10 days. Before the rash develops, people often have pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will develop.
Some symptoms of shingles can include:
• fever
• headache
• chills
• upset stomach.
Complications can include:
• Long-term nerve damage and pain
• Headaches and/or weakness that can make your face droopy
• Serious eye or ear inflammations and infections.
• Facial scarring
• Loss of vision.
Go to your doctor as soon as you see the rash, as treatment is most effective if you start it early.
➡️ Find out more about shingles: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/shingles/
