Shingles Vaccination
Understanding Shingles:
Shingles impacts one out of every three individuals in their lifetime. This statistic holds true regardless of an active or sedentary lifestyle.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a viral disease manifesting as a painful, blistering rash. This condition occurs on one side of the body and results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Nearly 95% of adults aged 50 or older carry this dormant virus, which can reactivate at any time, especially as the immune system weakens with age.
Symptoms to Watch For
Typically, shingles starts with pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will soon appear. This is followed by the development of painful blisters that scab over in 7 to 10 days and resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms may extend to fever, headaches, and general malaise, with the rash most commonly occurring on the chest and abdomen. Severe nerve pain, described as aching, burning, or even electric shock-like sensations, is experienced by over 90% of those affected.
Why Vaccinate Against Shingles
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of developing shingles and its complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), scarring, and increased risks of stroke. PHN, the most common complication, causes prolonged pain in the area of the healed rash, persisting for months or even years.
Introducing the Shingrix Vaccine
We are now offering the Shingrix shingles vaccine here at Ballybrack Medical Hall. It is administered as two shots spaced two months apart, to guard against shingles and its severe complications. The cost of each dose is €245. Protecting your health with Shingrix is an investment in your long-term wellbeing, providing peace of mind against this potentially debilitating condition.
Your Next Steps
Don’t let shingles disrupt your life. Secure your health by scheduling your vaccination today. Book your appointment give us a call on (01) 282 3587