Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination can reduce your risk of getting shingles and the long-term pain it can lead to.

The shingles vaccine is called Zostavax and it’s free for people who are 65 years old.

If you’re under 65, you may want to think about having the vaccination, although it is not funded for you. 

Talk to your GP clinic about how to get vaccinated and if you are eligible for a free vaccine.