Shingles Vaccine in Portsmouth
Shingrix shingles vaccination. Two-dose course for adults 50+ and certain at-risk groups. Over 90% protection.
Shingles vaccine for adults 50+
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — varicella zoster. After childhood chickenpox infection the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later, typically in adults aged 50+, causing the painful blistering rash of shingles. Around 1 in 4 adults will develop shingles at some point in their lives.
The Shingrix vaccine is given as two doses 2–6 months apart. It provides over 90% protection against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia — the often-debilitating long-term nerve pain that can follow shingles. The NHS offers free Shingrix vaccination for adults aged 65–79 (rolling cohort) and for immunocompromised adults aged 50+; younger or non-eligible adults can pay privately.
Gunwharf Travel Clinic, operated by Merali Pharmacy, provides Shingrix alongside our core travel medicine service. Abdullah Seyed (MPharm, GPhC reg. 2211356) leads day-to-day clinical practice. GPhC premises 1099145.
If you're eligible for the NHS programme it's worth getting your free vaccination through your GP. Private vaccination is most relevant for adults aged 50–64 who aren't yet eligible but want protection earlier.
Lead pharmacist at Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic on Queen Street, Portsea. GPhC-registered (reg. 2211356), travel-medicine trained, working under UK regulatory standards.
About shingles and the vaccine
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus — the same virus that causes childhood chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection the virus stays dormant in nerve tissue for life; it can reactivate decades later as shingles, most commonly in adults aged 50 and over. Around 1 in 4 adults will develop shingles at some point.
Why shingles matters
The acute rash is uncomfortable but usually resolves in 2–4 weeks. The bigger concern is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — long-term nerve pain in the area of the previous rash that can persist for months or years and can be debilitating. PHN is more common and more severe with increasing age. Shingles can also affect the eye (causing potentially sight-threatening complications) and very rarely cause more serious neurological problems.
How Shingrix works
Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine that uses a specific viral protein with an adjuvant. It's given as two intramuscular injections 2–6 months apart. Vaccine efficacy is over 90% in adults aged 50+ and remains over 80% in those aged 70+ — considerably better than the older live Zostavax vaccine the NHS phased out around 2022–2023. Protection lasts at least 10 years based on current data, with no booster currently recommended.
NHS eligibility — worth checking first
The NHS shingles programme offers free Shingrix to: a rolling cohort of adults aged 65–79 (eligibility expanding over time to cover all 60+), and immunocompromised adults aged 50+. If you're in either group, your GP is the place to start — there's no reason to pay privately for what the NHS covers. Private Shingrix is most relevant for adults aged 50–64 who aren't yet eligible but want protection earlier.
What to expect
Shingrix is reactogenic — it tends to cause noticeable temporary side effects. Pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, headache and mild fever are common for one to three days after each dose. These settle quickly and are a sign the immune system is responding. Some people prefer to plan the injection for a Friday so they can rest at the weekend. Plan ahead.
Travel context — long-haul trips
Shingles is age-related rather than destination-specific — the trigger is reactivation of dormant chickenpox virus, not exposure abroad. The travel angle: an outbreak during a long-haul trip is significantly more disruptive than at home. If you're 50+ and planning long-haul travel, vaccination in advance is sensible. Some destinations we see regularly where this comes up:
Booking in Portsmouth
Book online at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking or call 02392 821859. The first appointment takes around 20 minutes; we book the second dose before you leave. We're at 24 Queen Street, Portsea, walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
Everything you need in one appointment
Eligibility review, vaccination, second dose 2–6 months later.
Eligibility check
We'll first check if you're eligible for free NHS Shingrix — 65–79 rolling cohort or immunocompromised over-50s. If eligible, your GP is the right place to start.
Shingrix vaccine
Non-live recombinant zoster vaccine. Two doses given 2–6 months apart. Over 90% protection.
Long-term protection
Protection lasts at least 10 years based on current data. No booster currently recommended.
Vaccination record
Written record for your medical history and any future GP review.
20-minute appointment
Eligibility review, injection, written record. Second dose booked before you leave.
Adults 50+
Licensed for adults 50 and over. Shingrix can also be given to immunocompromised adults aged 18+ on specific medical advice.
Two doses 2–6 months apart.
Three steps from booking to fully protected.
Check NHS eligibility first
If you're 65–79 or immunocompromised 50+, your GP can give Shingrix on the NHS for free. Worth checking before booking private.
Private vaccination if not eligible
Book at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking. Single injection in the upper arm.
Second dose 2–6 months later
We book the second dose at the first appointment. Full protection from a few weeks after the second injection.
Thirty minutes from arrival to vaccinated.
What actually happens when you walk through the door at 24 Queen Street.
Best pharmacy in Portsmouth. Nothing ever too much trouble. Always pleasant, helpful, understanding and so friendly.
Every vaccine you need. One appointment.
The vaccines UK clinics actually stock...
Real advice. Real travellers.
"Best pharmacy in Portsmouth..."
"Excellent pharmacy..."
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On Queen Street, Portsea. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
24 Queen Street, Portsea,
Portsmouth PO1 3HN
In the city · Walk or short drive
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Common shingles vaccine questions
Who should have the shingles vaccine?
Adults aged 50 and over benefit most. The NHS offers Shingrix for free to a rolling cohort of 65–79 year-olds and to immunocompromised adults aged 50+. Adults aged 50–64 who aren't yet eligible for free vaccination can pay privately if they want protection earlier.
How is Shingrix different from the old Zostavax?
Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine — different mechanism from the older live Zostavax (which the NHS phased out around 2022–2023). Shingrix is more effective (over 90% vs around 50% for Zostavax) and can be safely given to immunocompromised adults, who couldn't have the live Zostavax.
How long does protection last?
At least 10 years based on current data. No booster is currently recommended.
Can I have it if I've already had shingles?
Yes — having shingles doesn't guarantee future immunity. Vaccination after a shingles episode is reasonable; we'd typically wait a few months after the rash has fully resolved.
What about side effects?
Shingrix is reactogenic — it tends to cause noticeable temporary side effects. Pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, headache and mild fever are common for one to three days after each dose. These settle quickly and are a sign the immune system is responding.
Can I have it with my flu jab?
Yes — Shingrix can be given at the same appointment as the flu vaccine, in a different arm. No interaction issues.
How much does private Shingrix cost?
We charge per dose — see our booking page for current rates. The two-dose course is the relevant total. Many adults paying privately for the first dose later become eligible for free NHS vaccination as they age into the cohort; if that happens we'd advise switching to NHS for the second dose.
Where can I get Shingrix in Portsmouth?
Gunwharf Travel Clinic, 24 Queen Street, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3HN — inside Merali Pharmacy. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
From Portsmouth to 24 Queen Street
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
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Book your shingles vaccination.
Two doses 2–6 months apart. Same-day starts available.
- NHS — Shingles vaccine overview (accessed 2026-05-20)
- UK Health Security Agency — Green Book chapter 28a: Shingles (herpes zoster) (accessed 2026-05-20)
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) — Shingrix Summary of Product Characteristics (accessed 2026-05-20)
- GPhC — Register entry — Abdullah Seyed (2211356) at Merali Pharmacy (accessed 2026-05-20)
Information on this page is general guidance from Gunwharf Travel Clinic, operated by Merali Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1099145). Shingrix vaccination is recommended on a case-by-case basis depending on your age, NHS eligibility, medical history and circumstances.
