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Shingles vaccine - Safety and effectiveness

Is the vaccine safe?   

Yes, the shingles vaccine is safe. It meets all safety standards. Once a vaccine is in use, its safety is closely monitored. 

Can I still get shingles when I am vaccinated? 

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from shingles. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of shingles, even if you are vaccinated. For more information about shingles, visit the NHS 111 Wales website (external site). 

Can I have the shingles vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?   

You can have the shingles vaccine at the same time as most other vaccines. The person giving you the vaccine can discuss this with you.   

Are there any side effects from the vaccine? 

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are:  

  • pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the injection was given  
  • a headache   
  • stomach symptoms (such as feeling or being sick, having an upset stomach or tummy pain)  
  • feeling tired  
  • chills or a fever, and  
  • general aches.   

You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. Do not use machines or drive if you are feeling unwell.  

If the side effects last for more than a few days, you should speak to a healthcare professional.  

Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after vaccination, which causes breathing difficulties and may cause them to collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions.    

People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated and usually recover within a few hours.     

Find out more about side effects   

All side effects are included in the patient information leaflet for the vaccine. For more information on side effects, visit the EMC website for information about Shingrix (external site).    

If you have any questions about side effects, you can ask the person giving you the vaccine.    

You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at the Yellow Card website (external site), by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).   

Are there people who shouldn’t have a shingles vaccination?   

The vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had a serious (life-threatening) reaction to:   

  • a previous dose of the vaccine, or   
  • any ingredient in the vaccine.   

Make sure you tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past.  

If you have a bleeding disorder, speak to your doctor or practice nurse before you have the vaccine.  

If I am unwell on the day of the appointment, should I have the vaccine? 

If you are ill, it is best to wait until you are better to have the vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible. If you cannot attend your vaccination appointment, please cancel and rearrange the appointment.

Information:

A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay your vaccine. If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving you your vaccination. 

Page last reviewed: 14th August 2025