Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The risk of shingles increases with age and is higher in people with weakened immune systems, such as those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS, or certain medications. Women are also slightly more likely to develop shingles than men. Most people only experience shingles once, but it is possible to have more than one episode during your lifetime. While it is most common in older adults, shingles can also affect younger adults and children.
What you need to know
- Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles
- The fluid in shingles blisters can spread chickenpox to people who are not immune
- Keep the rash covered until all blisters have crusted over to help prevent transmission
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Early antiviral treatment can reduce symptoms and lower the risk of ongoing nerve pain
- The Shingrix vaccine helps protect against shingles and can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications,
including long-lasting nerve pain if shingles occurs. - Don’t ignore the signs. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and comfort.
Take Control of Shingles: Book with us today ๐09 837 1110
Henderson Medical Centre offers affordable Shingrix vaccinations and consultation fees, providing excellent value compared with some providers who may charge between $400-$500 per dose, plus additional consultation costs. This service is available for our valued fully enrolled patients and as a casual one-off service to all non-enrolled patients – so if you have a friend or family member looking to vaccinate, please recommend us!
We offer a smooth booking process with one of our friendly receptionists either in-person or over the phone who are more than happy to discuss the process. Booking in advance is essential! Please keep this in mind when arranging your upcoming appointment. Allow at least 1 -2 weeks before your upcoming appointment. Available Monday – Friday only.
- FREE for those 65 years of age. There is no-cost for your first dose once you’re 65, and your second dose will be scheduled 2 to 6 months after your first dose but if it’s longer than 6 months, it will still be FREE (even if you turn 66).
- FREE for certain patients 18 years of age and over who are at increased risk of shingles because of a health condition or treatment.
Find out more here: Eligibility criteria for immunocompromised people. - Check-out this recent Stuff news article explaining a fellow New Zealander’s journey: โAre you sitting down?โ The $802 vaccine shock for one-in-three health risk | Stuff
The total costs are less than $800.00 per patient here at our centre who do not reach the funded vaccination criteria, which includes a reduced nurse consultation rate if you are a valid NZ Community Service Card Holder. If you have any further questions regarding the vaccine and or booking process, give us a call or check-out the links below. Our team is ready and waiting to serve our community.
Further information online
Healthify – He Puna Waiora: Shingrixยฎ vaccine | Healthify
Med-Safe (NZ Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority): Shingrix
National Institute on Aging – YouTube channel โฌ๏ธโฌ๏ธ
