Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, which 97% of New Zealanders have, you are at risk of shingles.

After having chickenpox, the virus stays in your body, and your immune system keeps it supressed. But as you age, it becomes easier for the virus to ‘wake up’ and break through your immune defences, especially when you’re under stress.

The symptoms of shingles are:

• A painful rash ‘belt’ or ‘band’ that lasts 7 to 10 days
• The rash is typically blistered
• Most often occurs on one side of the body or the face, along a nerve path
• Aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like pain
• Headaches
• Fever

The rash will typically heal fully within 2 to 5 weeks, but during the time the rash is active and is possible to spread the virus to others.

Up to 30% of people experience long-lasting and persistent nerve pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN. The risk of PHN increases with age. Other rare complications include vision loss, nerve damage, scarring, and heart attack or stroke.

You can prevent shingles by getting a shingles vaccine. NZ uses the Shingrex shingles vaccine, which is 90% effective after 2 doses at preventing shingles in those aged 50-plus.

It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 get the shingles vaccine. Some people can get a free shingles vaccine – NZ funds it for eligible individuals (see below).

The vaccine is administered in two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart. It is injected into the upper arm. It is a non-live vaccine. You can get the shingles vaccine at the same time as your Flu or COVID-19 vaccine.

If you do get the shingles vaccine, how long does it last? It should last for 7 to 10 years if you have a healthy immune system. Currently, only one course of Shingrex is recommended for lifetime cover.

All vaccines tend to have some common, short-lived side effects, including the shingles vaccine. Side effects from the shingles vaccine include:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Chills and fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle aches

You should not receive the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your Life pharmacist if you’re not sure whether the shingles vaccine is suitable for you.

Early research indicates that you may have a much lower risk of shingles if you have had the chickenpox vaccine. Protect against shingles with a shingles vaccine, however, to give yourself the best chance of avoiding this painful condition.

You may be able to get a free shingles vaccine. Funding for the shingles vaccine is available for:

• The 12 months after you turn 65 years old
• Anyone over 18 who is at higher risk of shingles, such as those with primary immunodeficiency or after an organ transplant (see the full list here)

Talk to your local Life pharmacist about whether you are eligible for the free shingles vaccine – cost will apply otherwise.