Private Vaccination · Oxford
✓ MHRA-licensed · GPhC-registered pharmacist

Shingles Vaccine

in Oxford.
Two-dose protection against shingles (herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia for adults 50+. SHINGRIX is the UK’s recombinant adjuvanted vaccine – it helps reduce your chances of getting shingles, and of serious problems such as post-herpetic neuralgia if you do get it. Available privately if you don’t yet qualify for NHS routine.
Book Shingles Vaccination
Price per dose

£240

2-dose course · £240 per dose
RECOMBINANT 2-DOSE COURSE · NOT A LIVE VACCINE
DoseScheduleCover
Dose 1TodayInitial dose
Dose 22–6 months laterFull protection
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NHS routine vaccination starts at age 65 – private SHINGRIX is for those aged 50+ who want to vaccinate sooner.
Licensed for adults aged 50+ and immunocompromised adults 18+.
Clinical brief · Herpes zoster

What every adult should know.

Three things adults over 50 should understand about shingles.
Pharmacist unpacking a single vaccine dose at the MediPill dispensary
Shingles vaccine - Shingrix, two-dose protection

What is shingles?

Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster) that has been dormant in your nerves since childhood. It causes a painful, blistering rash typically on one side of the body, and can lead to post-herpetic neuralgia – chronic nerve pain lasting months to years.

Who is at risk?

Risk rises sharply with age – about 1 in 4 adults will get shingles in their lifetime, and the chance climbs from 50 onwards. Immunocompromised adults are at higher risk regardless of age. Stress and lowered immunity can also trigger reactivation.

How well does the vaccine work?

SHINGRIX helps reduce your chances of getting shingles, and your chances of serious problems such as post-herpetic neuralgia if you do get it. It is given as a two-dose course.
Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms of shingles.

Onset is typically a few days of tingling or burning, followed by a painful rash. Seek medical advice within 72 hours of rash onset for antiviral treatment. Think you have shingles now? Read why the first 3 days matter.

Burning & tingling

Often before any rash appears.

Blistering rash

Usually one side of the body.

Fever & headache

Systemic symptoms during outbreak.

Fatigue

Profound during acute phase.

Eye involvement

Risk of permanent eye damage.

Post-herpetic neuralgia

Persistent nerve pain - main long-term complication.

Cardiovascular events

Slight increase in risk in weeks post-onset.

Eligibility checklist

You should book the shingles vaccine if…

  • You are aged 50 or older and don’t yet qualify for NHS routine vaccination.
  • You are immunocompromised (age 18+) - chemotherapy, organ transplant, autoimmune disease.
  • You have had shingles before - you can have it once your symptoms have gone.
  • You want maximum protection before age 65 NHS eligibility.
  • You have no contraindications - severe allergy to a previous dose, severe acute illness.
Severe allergy to SHINGRIX components or a previous dose excludes. Not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mild illness – defer by a few days.
VACCINATED MEDIPILL OXFORD
Shingles FAQ

Common questions, answered.

Two reasons: (1) you want protection sooner – shingles risk starts climbing from 50, and the vaccine works equally well in younger adults. (2) For immunocompromised adults 18-49: check with your GP or care team first – you may be eligible for the vaccine free on the NHS.
No – SHINGRIX is a 2-dose course. Both doses are required for full protection. The second dose is given 2–6 months after the first.
One dose plus GPhC-registered pharmacist consultation. The full 2-dose course is £480 (£240 × 2).

The shingles vaccine is £240 per dose at MediPill, and the full course is two doses – £480 in total. The fee includes a consultation with a GPhC-registered pharmacist at each visit, with no hidden extras. If you are 65 or over you may be able to have the vaccine free on the NHS instead.

Full NHS-vs-private cost guide: How much is the shingles vaccine? NHS eligibility vs private cost in the UK.

Yes. Adults aged 50 and over can book the shingles vaccine privately at any of our four Oxford branches – no GP referral needed. Most private patients are aged 50-64 and want protection before the NHS programme reaches them at 65, or prefer not to wait for an invitation.

The vaccine is ordered in at all four Oxford branches. Book ahead so we can prepare your dose.
Anyone who has had a severe allergy to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient, or who is pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have shingles now, wait until the symptoms have gone. Mild illness – defer by a few days.
Short-lived side effects are the main one. Arm soreness is very common, and muscle aches, headache, fatigue, fever or chills can follow for a day or two – the NHS says most side effects of the shingles vaccine are mild and get better within 2 or 3 days. It is more reactogenic than most vaccines, but the reactions pass. It is not a live vaccine, so it cannot give you shingles and you are not infectious to anyone afterwards.
You are not contagious at all. The shingles vaccine used here is not a live vaccine, so there is nothing in it that can be passed on – you cannot give shingles or chickenpox to anyone after having it, including babies, pregnant women or anyone with a weakened immune system. That is different from shingles itself, which can pass chickenpox to someone who has never had it.
Four Oxford branches · book any

Find your nearest branch.

MediPill Botley

📍 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–5:30 · Sat 9–2
📞 01865 247 023
Book at this branch

Headington Pharmacy

📍 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–6 · Closed weekends
📞 01865 765 559
Book at this branch

MediPill Summertown

📍 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–12
📞 01865 558 348
Book at this branch

MediPill Deddington

📍 The Studio, Hudson St, OX15 0SW
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–5:30 · Sat 9–12
📞 01869 337 583
Book at this branch

Ready for your shingles vaccine?

Book online at any of our four Oxford branches – booking ahead lets us order your dose in.
Book My Shingles Vaccination →