Here at The Leeds Clinic, we are now offering two new vaccines to our patients and community.
1️⃣ The Chickenpox Vaccine
2️⃣ The Shingles Vaccine
We’ll cover the benefits for each vaccination in the details of this blog. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information before booking.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children.
Not yet being offered by the NHS, we are happy to be able to provide peace of mind for anyone concerned about the risks and discomfort that come from the Chickenpox virus.
Chickenpox isn’t something that only affects children. In fact, the risk of complications occurring from contracting Chickenpox as an adult or adolescent is much higher.
When is the best time to vaccinate?
The chickenpox vaccine is typically administered during childhood, providing robust protection against the virus. By vaccinating children as early as 9 months, we can significantly reduce the incidence of chickenpox, preventing the discomfort and potential complications associated with the disease. Moreover, those who do contract chickenpox post-vaccination often experience milder symptoms, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and long-term effects.
Risks in adolescents and adults
For those who missed the vaccine during childhood, getting vaccinated in adolescence or adulthood is still beneficial. Adults and teens who contract chickenpox are more likely to experience severe complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
The NHS say:
Chickenpox vaccination is not routinely available on the NHS, but it’s recommended for adults and children in regular or close contact with someone who:
- has a weakened immune system
- is at risk of serious illness if they catch chickenpox
Another advantage…
As we know, Chickenpox is highly contagious, and unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus can unknowingly spread it to others. By vaccinating individuals across different age groups, we create a more resilient and immune community, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks. This concept, known as herd immunity, protects those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by exactly the same virus as Chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus. It causes a nasty rash that can lead to sore blisters and involves shooting pain for up to four weeks.
It is a common virus that affects all ages, but is much more common in older adults. The risks in people over 50 are amplified and can include long-lasting pain, loss of sight or loss of hearing.
It’s estimated that around 1 in every 4 people will have at least one episode of shingles during their life and you CAN get shingles more than once.
When is the best time to vaccinate?
The NHS will vaccinate anyone who turned 65 on or after September 2023, people aged 70 to 79 or people aged 50 or over with a “severely weakened immune system”.
We will vaccinate anyone aged 50 or over.
How much?
We understand that you may have further questions, which we are more than happy to answer.
The Chickenpox vaccine costs just £75.
The Shingles vaccine is still TBC whilst we work hard to get the best price possible for you.
In both instances, you can rest assured that you are in the safe hands of a medical professional and in a family-friendly environment here at The Leeds Clinic.
Please click below, reply to this email or give us a call to book in.
Contact us if you have any questions or would like to book a vaccination
