What is shingles?

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

The symptoms are usually only on one side of your body - on one side of your chest or face, for example. You then have pain, itching, spots and blisters on only your left or right side, for example.

When the blisters are gone, you can sometimes keep pain in that spot for a long time. This is called nerve pain. It is rare, but older people in particular can suffer from it. The pain can be severe and long-lasting.

Anyone can get shingles, but the chances are highest if you are over 60 years old.

Advice for shingles:

• Touch the blisters as little as possible.
• Always wash your hands after touching the blisters, as you can pass on the virus to others.
• Avoid contact with people with poor immunity or pregnant women.
• You can just shower or take a bath.
• You may want to put wound gauze on the blisters to protect your clothing and prevent clothing from rubbing against your skin.

Treatment

Shingles usually goes away 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 medicines that inhibit the virus, called virus inhibitors.

Shingles vaccination

Want to get vaccinated against shingles? You can! The vaccination consists of two shots, 2 to 6 months apart. You will need a prescription to pick up the vaccines at the pharmacy. You then make two appointments with our assistant to have the shots taken. You can easily arrange this by contacting our practice.

Cost of vaccinations

The vaccination is reimbursed if you belong to a medical risk group. For this, you need a doctor's certificate. Do you want to be vaccinated because of your age or for other reasons? Then you pay for the vaccination yourself.

• Together, the vaccines cost about €400.
• For making the punctures, we charge the NZa rate of €31.86 per injection, which amounts to €63.72 for both punctures.