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Searching for a trusted location for your shingles vaccine? Medipill Pharmacy provides private shingles vaccinations with few side effects. Our committed team of experts is ready to help you with all your vaccination needs.
Adults 50 years of age or older
Adults aged 18 or older who are at a higher risk of developing herpes zoster qualify for the Shingles Vaccine.
Vaccination involves two doses: an initial dose, followed by a second dose administered two months later.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection that leads to a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the body but can reactivate later, causing shingles.
The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash, often appearing as a single band or cluster of blisters on one side of the body, typically on the torso or face. This rash may be accompanied by itching, tingling, or a burning sensation. Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and light sensitivity.
The shingles rash typically follows a pattern called a dermatome, which corresponds to the area served by a specific nerve. The rash usually lasts two to four weeks, with blisters eventually crusting over and healing. In some instances, pain can persist even after the rash heals, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia.
Shingles is more common among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. A vaccine is available to prevent shingles, recommended for individuals 50 and older. Early treatment with antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, so it’s important to seek medical care quickly if shingles is suspected.
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, becomes active again. While shingles itself is not contagious, someone with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to others who haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it.
The virus can spread through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. If someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine touches this fluid, they may develop chickenpox, not shingles. After having chickenpox, the virus can reactivate later in life as shingles.
Shingles can only develop in people previously exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, either by having chickenpox or receiving the vaccine. People without prior exposure to the virus are at risk of getting chickenpox, not shingles, if they come into contact with someone with an active shingles rash.
It’s important for people with shingles to avoid direct contact with those who haven’t had chickenpox or the vaccine, especially individuals with weakened immune systems, like pregnant women, newborns, and those with certain health conditions.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Its main symptom is a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body in a stripe or band-like pattern, following a nerve path. This rash is often accompanied by sensations like itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area.
Additional symptoms of shingles may include fever, headache, fatigue, and light sensitivity. The rash goes through various stages, beginning as red patches that turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually burst, form a crust, and heal within two to four weeks.
Although shingles isn’t life-threatening, it can be quite painful and uncomfortable. In some cases, complications like postherpetic neuralgia, a condition marked by lingering pain, may arise. Prompt medical treatment can help control symptoms, speed recovery, and lower the risk of complications.
To help prevent shingles, two key approaches are recommended:
Vaccination: The most effective method for preventing shingles is vaccination. The shingles vaccine, also called the herpes zoster vaccine, is advised for adults aged 50 and older. This two-dose vaccine, administered several months apart, strengthens the immune system’s defense against the varicella-zoster virus, lowering the chances of developing shingles or reducing its severity and duration if it does occur.
Healthy Lifestyle and Hygiene: Leading a healthy lifestyle and following good hygiene can also reduce the risk of shingles. Here are some preventive steps:
Manage Stress: Chronic stress weakens immunity, making you more prone to infections. Incorporating stress management practices like exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels.
Boost Immunity: A strong immune system is better equipped to fend off infections like the varicella-zoster virus. This can be supported through a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Practice Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after contact with contaminated surfaces or someone with shingles, can help prevent the virus from spreading.
Avoid Shingles Blisters: If you haven’t had chickenpox or have a weakened immune system, avoid direct contact with shingles blisters. The fluid in these blisters contains the varicella-zoster virus and could lead to chickenpox in vulnerable individuals.
Overall Health: Managing underlying medical conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer, which may increase the risk of shingles, is important. Following medical advice for these conditions can help lower the risk.
It’s best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate preventive strategies, including vaccination, tailored to your age, medical history, and personal risk factors.
Shingles is generally managed with a combination of antiviral medications, pain relievers, and supportive care, aiming to ease symptoms, promote healing, and prevent complications. Common treatment methods include:
Consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and timely treatment is important to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Early treatment is crucial.
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Individuals who are 50 years old and older typically qualify for the shingles vaccine.
Common side effects of the shingles vaccine may include redness, tenderness, swelling at the injection site, and a mild fever. Nevertheless, these effects are generally short-lived.
What people are saying about us
Really great service today from the sales assistant and the pharmacist who tooke to a private space and spent time listening and explaining so I could make an informed decision... Read more about what to purchase. Very helpful and efficient. Thanks very much.
very impressed with the service from the new staff. always was good from the other staff, but when being ran from lloyds department, was shocking!! so glad finally sorted it... Read more out with new takeover!
Simply a very dedicated, respectful and well organized pharmacist and assistants. Pofessional and more importantly they provide you with an honest opinion when asking about certain. Dont forget to register... Read more yout car at the pharmacy if you were lucky to find a parking space. Alternatively, you can simply use the road turn - opposite side.
Charlie the pharmacist is so helpful, kind and able to share useful information with regards special orders prescriptions. Out of 27 pharmacies Charlie and his team were so diligent and... Read more obtained the prescription far quicker than any other pharmacy reported that they could! Refreshing and appreciated service.
I'm an international student, so my english is far from being perfect, but i had an amazing experience here! The staff i talk to was really friendly and nice, again... Read more even if I struggled with explaining my symptoms they helped me a lot. 10/10, I couldn't recommend enough!
They have gone the extra mile twice. 14/08/21 The owner (Kaz) himself came and delivered the pill boxes for my in-laws to our home on his way home.... Read more Then when they had to be changed due to over zealous carers, he took them back and Becky changed next day which was a Saturday 25/11/21. Rang up the night before to check that the pill boxes would be ready and Becky had chased the surgery up for the prescriptions for a fortnight and they had only come in that afternoon. I was going into the dentist the next day which is next door and Kaz said they would make it a priority to get them ready in time for me to pick them up after the dentist appointment. I had no doubt they would be ready and they were! Nothing seems too much for them to do
I can’t thank Zain and Mel enough for ver efficiently, kindly and speedily sorting out my medication which had got into a muddle! Rhona
The pharmacist is a very helpful gentleman. He administered my travel vaccinations and provided me with great travel advice. He was knowledgeable and honest. I intend on using this excellent... Read more travel clinic in the future.
The award for above and beyond local chemist goes to.... Zane☆ I can't thank you enough for being you and hope the new year ahead surrounds you with people... Read more that are willing to step up for you the way you did for this passing customer. May the world be elevated by your warmth. Thank you again.
Absolutely amazing pharmacy. I usually rely upon Chipping Norton for my prescription, however my prescription wasn't in stock. I called MediPill and their customer service was amazing. My prescription was... Read more available for immediate collection. Super friendly and relaxed service. Deserve 10 stars!
I can’t thank Zain and Mel enough for ver efficiently, kindly and speedily sorting out my medication which had got into a muddle! Rhona
The pharmacist is a very helpful gentleman. He administered my travel vaccinations and provided me with great travel advice. He was knowledgeable and honest. I intend on using this excellent... Read more travel clinic in the future.
The award for above and beyond local chemist goes to.... Zane☆ I can't thank you enough for being you and hope the new year ahead surrounds you with people... Read more that are willing to step up for you the way you did for this passing customer. May the world be elevated by your warmth. Thank you again.
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