What is shingles?

Shingles often causes itching, pain, and spots and blisters on the skin. It is caused by the chickenpox virus.

The symptoms usually only occur on one side of your body — for example, on one side of your chest or face. You may experience pain, itching, spots and blisters on only your left or right side, for example.

Once the blisters have disappeared, you may still experience pain in that area for a long time. This is called nerve pain. It is not common, but older people in particular can suffer from it. The pain can be severe and persistent.

Anyone can get shingles, but the risk is highest if you are over 60 years of age.

Advice for shingles:

• Touch the blisters as little as possible.
• Always wash your hands after touching the blisters, as you can pass the virus on to others.
• Avoid contact with people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.
• You may shower or bathe as usual.
• You can apply wound dressing to the blisters to protect your clothing and prevent it from rubbing against your skin.

Treatment

Shingles usually clears up on its own if the blisters are on your upper body, arms or legs. Is the shingles on your face? Then you can be given medication that inhibits the virus, known as antiviral drugs.

Shingles vaccination

Would you like to be vaccinated against shingles? You can! The vaccination consists of two injections, with an interval of 2 to 6 months between them. You will need a prescription, which you can use to collect the vaccines from the pharmacy. You will then need to make two appointments with our assistant to have the injections administered. You can easily arrange this by contacting our practice.

Cost of vaccinations

The vaccination is reimbursed if you belong to a medical risk group. You will need a doctor's certificate for this. Would you like to be vaccinated because of your age or for other reasons? Then you will have to pay for the vaccination yourself.

• The vaccines cost approximately €400 in total.
• For administering the injections, we charge the NZa rate of €31.86 per injection, which amounts to €63.72 for both injections.