Non-urgent advice:Speak to a Pharmacy if:
If you think you have SHINGLES then please attend your local pharmacy for the PHARMACY FIRST SCHEME.
They will be able to assess and prescribe for you if you are:
· Aged 18 years and over
· Have a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin
· Having a headache or feeling generally unwell
· Having a shingles rash on one side of the body
If your symptoms meet these criteria, your local pharmacy can provide quick and effective care.
Find a pharmacy open now to help
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) in the body. If you suspect you have shingles, you may be able to access prompt care through the Pharmacy First service provided under NHS care. This service offers quicker management and treatment options for eligible patients without the need to visit a GP.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles typically presents with the following symptoms:
- Pain, burning, or tingling: This often starts on one side of the body or face and may precede the rash.
- A distinctive rash: Red patches develop into fluid-filled blisters, usually localized to a specific area along one nerve path (dermatome).
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, headache, or fever may accompany the rash.
It’s important to seek help early, ideally within 72 hours of rash onset, as antiviral medication is most effective when started promptly.
Who Can Access Pharmacy First for Shingles?
Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, adults aged 18 years and over with suspected shingles can access quicker care if they meet the following criteria:
- Symptoms are consistent with shingles.
- There are no complications (e.g., severe pain, involvement of the eyes, or widespread rash).
- You are generally healthy, without significant underlying conditions such as a weakened immune system.
If you meet these conditions, your local pharmacist can provide advice, symptom management, and, in some cases, prescribe treatment.
Benefits of Using Pharmacy First
- Faster Access: You don’t need to wait for a GP appointment.
- Convenience: Many pharmacies are open during evenings and weekends.
- Comprehensive Care: Pharmacists are trained to manage shingles and can escalate care if necessary.
When to See a GP or Specialist
You should see your GP immediately or go to a hospital if:
- The rash involves the eye or forehead (risk of complications affecting vision).
- The pain is severe and unmanageable.
- You have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to cancer treatment, HIV, or immunosuppressive medication).
- The rash spreads beyond the expected area or is unusually severe.
Shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It’s available on the NHS for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
The shingles vaccine helps:
- reduce your chances of getting shingles
- reduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles
Who should have the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.
People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
From 1 September 2023, you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65.
You’ll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Your GP should contact you to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Contact your GP surgery if you think you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine and you’ve not been contacted about it.
You’ll remain eligible until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday).
Information:
If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023, you’ll be eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 70.
People aged 70 to 79
Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine.
You’ll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine. You’re eligible up until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday).
People aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
You’re eligible for the shingles vaccine if you’re aged 18 or over and you’re at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.
This includes:
- some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- some people with HIV or AIDS
- some people who’ve recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- people taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system
You’ll be given 2 doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart.
Ask your GP or care team if you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine.
Important
You can get shingles more than once, so it’s important to get vaccinated even if you’ve had shingles before.
Who cannot have the shingles vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the shingles vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.
How to get the shingles vaccine
Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email.
Sometimes you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you’re having for another reason.
Key Takeaways
Pharmacy First services provide a convenient and efficient way to manage shingles for adults aged 18 and over. Acting quickly ensures better outcomes and helps reduce complications. If you suspect shingles, don’t delay—visit your local pharmacy and take advantage of this accessible care option.
