Shingles vaccine.
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox reactivating later in life. The NHS shingles programme is expanding gradually by age, so if you’re not yet within the current eligible group and want protection sooner, the vaccine is available privately. GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
Why the NHS programme doesn’t cover everyone yet.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, reactivating later in life after lying dormant in the nervous system. It causes a painful, blistering rash, and the pain can persist for months or years after the rash itself has cleared, a complication known as post-herpetic neuralgia. Risk and severity both increase with age.
The NHS shingles programme is being expanded gradually over a ten-year period, currently covering those reaching 65 onwards, a catch-up group aged 70 to 79, and severely immunosuppressed adults aged 18 and over. The routine age will eventually lower further as the rollout continues. If you’re outside these groups, for example in your 50s or early 60s and keen to be protected sooner rather than waiting for your NHS invitation, private vaccination is available.
Is the shingles vaccine right for you?
Outside current NHS eligibility, but keen to reduce their risk of shingles before it rises further with age.
NHS eligibility depends on specific birth dates and is being phased in gradually, we can help you check where you stand.
Shingles can recur, so previous episodes don’t rule out benefiting from vaccination.
If you’d rather not wait to be contacted by your GP practice once eligible, private vaccination lets you proceed now.
Many in this group already qualify for the vaccine free on the NHS from age 18, your pharmacist can help clarify this.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How the shingles vaccine course works.
First dose
A single injection, given into the upper arm.
Second dose, 2 to 6 months later
Both doses are needed for full protection. If the second dose is delayed for any reason, there’s no need to restart, it can simply be completed when next possible.
Strong protection develops
Large studies show the full 2-dose course prevents shingles in the large majority of vaccinated adults, and is particularly effective at preventing the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow shingles.
Protection appears long-lasting
Follow-up studies so far show durable protection for at least several years after the full course, with research ongoing into the long-term picture.
Book your shingles vaccine.
Same-day first doses often available.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Shingles Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Shingles vaccine prices.
Price per dose. The full course is 2 doses. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles | 2 doses | £225.00 |
Shingles vaccine FAQs.
Am I eligible for this vaccine free on the NHS?
How many doses do I need?
Is this a live vaccine?
Can I have this vaccine if I’ve had shingles before?
How effective is the vaccine?
Are there any side effects?
Related services.
Chickenpox Vaccine
Protects against the same virus family, but for those who haven’t yet had chickenpox at all.
Learn more →Meningitis B Vaccine
Another vaccine not routinely NHS-funded for most adults, available privately for those who want protection.
Learn more →Private Pharmacist
For wider health questions or advice beyond a specific vaccine, our prescribing pharmacist can see you same day.
Learn more →