Shingles Vaccination
£250 per dose · Same-week appointments available · Open 7 days
About the Shingles Vaccination
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Following a childhood chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate decades later, typically in the context of reduced immune function associated with ageing, stress, or immunosuppressive treatment. Shingles presents as a painful, blistering rash following the path of a nerve, most commonly on the trunk or face.
The most debilitating complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — chronic nerve pain persisting long after the rash has resolved — which can last for months or years and is extremely difficult to treat. Shingles can also cause vision loss, hearing loss, and encephalitis when affecting nerves supplying the face. Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is highly effective, reducing the risk of shingles by over 90% and providing substantially superior protection to the older Zostavax vaccine.
Who should have this vaccination?
- Adults aged 50 and over, even those who have previously had shingles
- Immunocompromised adults aged 18 and over, including those on immunosuppressive therapy, living with HIV, or receiving chemotherapy
- Those aged 70 to 79 who are eligible for the NHS shingles vaccine but prefer the more effective Shingrix formulation
- Adults over 50 who did not receive Zostavax and wish to obtain the superior recombinant vaccine
Note: Shingrix is a non-live vaccine and is safe for immunocompromised individuals, unlike the older Zostavax (live attenuated) vaccine.
Vaccination schedule
Shingrix is given as a two-dose course, with the second dose administered two to six months after the first. For immunocompromised individuals, the interval may be shortened to one to two months. Both doses are required for full protection — a single dose provides some benefit but the second dose is essential for optimal and durable immunity. The vaccine can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccine at a separate site.
What to expect
- Book online or walk in — same-week appointments available, 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm
- Brief consultation with our nurse — we confirm your eligibility, note any contraindications, and schedule your second dose
- Receive your vaccination + record — the injection takes under a minute; you receive a written vaccination record noting your second dose date
Frequently asked questions
How much is the shingles vaccine at The Vesey?
£250 per dose. Shingrix requires 2 doses (given 2–6 months apart), making the full course £500. Book online or call 0121 387 3727.
Which shingles vaccine do you offer?
We offer Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine, RZV) — the current gold-standard shingles vaccine with over 90% efficacy, preferred over the older live Zostavax.
Who should have the shingles vaccine?
Adults aged 50 and over, including those who have previously had shingles. Immunocompromised adults from age 18 are also eligible. The NHS offers it free from age 65–70.
I am under 50 — can I have the shingles vaccine?
Shingrix is licensed from age 18 for immunocompromised patients. For immunocompetent adults, JCVI recommends vaccination from age 50.
How many doses of the shingles vaccine do I need?
Two doses of Shingrix, given 2–6 months apart. For immunocompromised patients the interval may be shortened to 1–2 months. Both doses are required for full protection.
I have already had shingles — should I still get vaccinated?
Yes. Previous shingles does not provide lasting immunity. Vaccination after recovery (typically wait at least 1 year) significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Can I have the shingles vaccine at the same time as the flu jab?
Yes. Shingrix can be co-administered with other inactivated vaccines including the flu vaccine, at separate injection sites.
What are the side effects of Shingrix?
Arm soreness, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and muscle pain are common — especially after the second dose. These typically resolve within 2–3 days and are a sign of a healthy immune response.
Live availability — book directly below
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · Unit 3, The Courtyard, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU · Free parking · CQC-regulated
Getting the Shingles Vaccination at The Vesey
The Vesey Private Hospital in Sutton Coldfield provides the Shingles Vaccination without the delays associated with NHS appointment backlogs. Same-week appointments are frequently available, and no GP referral is required — you can book directly online or by calling 0121 387 3727.
Why vaccinate privately at The Vesey?
- Same-week availability — appointments typically available within days, not weeks
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm with no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral needed — book directly online or by calling 0121 387 3727
- Expert travel health advice — our clinical team provides destination-specific vaccination schedules and travel health guidance
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87 out of 5 from 700+ independently verified Doctify reviews
- Free on-site parking — immediately outside the clinic, serving Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, and the wider West Midlands
Corporate vaccination programmes
The Vesey offers workplace vaccination programmes for businesses across the West Midlands. On-site vaccination clinics can be arranged for groups of any size. Contact corporate@thevesey.co.uk or call 0121 387 3727 for further information and a quote.
Related vaccinations and services
Real feedback from verified patients on Doctify
Book your Shingles Vaccination
The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield · Open 7 days 8am–8pm · £250 per dose