Who is this service suitable for?
The service is suitable for customers aged 50 and over.
The vaccine is not suitable for anyone who is:
- under the age of 50
- pregnant
- had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine
You should not have the vaccine if you currently have an active shingles infection.
Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability in selected stores only. Excludes NI. All services are at the discretion of the pharmacist. Clubcard/app required to earn points.
How to book an appointment
Ask one of our pharmacists when shopping in store or book online via tesco.com/shop/en-GB/zone/flujab
How much does the service cost?
This vaccine is given in 2 doses. It costs £230 per dose (£460 for the full course). You can earn Clubcard points with this service (£1 spent = 1 point). Clubcard/app required.
What to expect from your appointment
You’ll receive each dose from a trained Tesco pharmacist in a private consultation room. The vaccine is given in your upper arm, and the appointment takes about 20 minutes.
You’ll need to return for your second dose 2 to 6 months later to make sure you’re fully protected.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash.
It’s caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, this virus stays inside your body and can be reactivated, typically during times of stress or when the immune system is weakened.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of shingles often starts with:
- a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin
- a headache or feeling generally unwell
- a rash will usually appear a few days later. In rare cases shingles can cause pain without a rash
Shingles usually causes a rash on the chest or abdomen, but it can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, eyes, or genitals. The rash typically appears as blotches on the skin and affects only one side of the body. If the rash occurs on both sides, it is unlikely to be shingles.
It can take up to 4 weeks to heal and, in some cases, can lead to long-term pain known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) that can last for months or even years.
How well does the shingles vaccination work?
Our service uses a vaccine called Shingrix, given in 2 doses with the second dose being administered 2 to 6 months after the first.
It is proven to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles and protects against it for up to 10 years post-vaccination. If you do get it after being vaccinated, the symptoms can be much milder. If you’ve had shingles before, it may still be of benefit to get vaccinated as it can boost your immunity against further attacks of shingles.
Can I have a vaccination if I feel unwell?
If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, wait until you're feeling better before having your vaccination.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine are mild and get better within a few days. They can include:
- pain or tenderness at the injection site.
- headache
- aching body
- tiredness
- high temperature
- shivering (chills)
Who is at risk?
You can’t catch shingles from someone else, but if you’ve ever had chickenpox (even without symptoms), you’re at risk.
The chances of getting shingles increase as your immune system weakens, such as after illness, stress, or trauma. Risk and severity also rise with age, and older adults are more likely to experience complications like long-term nerve pain. In some cases, shingles can lead to serious problems, including long-lasting pain, hearing loss, or vision loss.
Am I eligible for a free NHS vaccination?
In England, a free NHS shingles vaccination is available for those who are:
- turning 65
- aged 70–79
- aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system
Is there anything else I need to know about my appointment?
The vaccination will be given in the upper arm, so it’s helpful to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up.