Shingles Vaccines

Posted on November 3rd, 2021

There are now 2 shingles vaccines used by the NHS in the UK:

• Zostavax, a live vaccine given as 1 dose to patients aged 70-80 years
• Shingrix, a non-live vaccine given as 2 doses, 2 months apart to patients aged 70-80 years

Most people will have the Zostavax vaccine. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended if Zostavax is not suitable for you, for example if you have a condition that affects your immune system.

You can read more about the shingles vaccines in the patient information leaflets:

• Electronic Medicines Compendium: Zostavax leaflet
• Electronic Medicines Compendium: Shingrix leaflet