Shringrix now in stock
We are pleased to say we have secured a limited stock of Shingrix at Fleet Street Clinic. These are the first doses to become available in the UK and have been specifically imported from other EU markets.
Globally, this vaccine is in extremely short supply and full supply is unlikely to be able to meet the demand for a number of years. This is even the case in the USA, where the vaccine was first launched since the vaccine has been recommended for routine use in over 50’s. There is unlikely to be an NHS program for the foreseeable future.
‘We believe we are the first medical practice in the UK to be able to offer our patients the new Shingrix vaccine, which provides powerful protection against a deeply unpleasant disease. As a full service medical practice with a longstanding commitment to cutting edge care, this follows an established tradition of UK vaccine “firsts” – including HPV for both sexes, Meningitis B, Zostavax, and Quadrivalent Flu.’
– Richard Dawood, Medical Director
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).
After you’ve recovered from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate at a later stage when your immune system is weakened. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles.
Who can get Shingles?
While you can get shingles at any age, the odds start climbing at 50, then more sharply with each decade. As your immune system weakens with age, that puts you at an increased risk for shingles.
Your risk for shingles increases as you age. Previously we had recommended the Zostavax vaccination for shingles; which is still available. The difference in vaccinations being, Zostavax is only around 50% effective in preventing shingles, but Shingrix efficacy is up to 90% in preventing shingles and it’s complications.
Shingrix Vaccination Schedule…
The primary vaccination schedule consists of two doses of 0.5 ml each: an initial dose followed by a second dose 2 months later. If flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, the second dose can be administered between 2 and 6 months after the first dose.
> Due to the scarcity of the vaccine, we recommend all those having the Shringrix vaccination to prepay for the second dose in advance.
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