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Your risk for Shingles increases as you age. Are you and your loved ones protected?

As we get older, taking care of our health becomes even more important. One illness that often catches people by surprise is shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you are aged 50 or above, it is time to protect yourself with the shingles vaccine.

What is Shingles?

Shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster) occurs when the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in your body after recovery, becomes active again later in life.
It usually starts with pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body, followed by a rash or blisters. The pain can be severe and may last weeks or even months, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Even if you have had chickenpox before, you can still get shingles. In fact, 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk increases with age.
The shingles vaccine greatly reduces your risk of getting shingles and helps prevent long-term nerve pain and complications.

Here’s why the vaccine is especially important for older adults:

• ✅ Protects against painful rashes and nerve pain
• ✅ Reduces the risk of shingles recurrence
• ✅ Strengthens your immune response as you age
• ✅ Provides long-term protection (lasting up to 10 years with the latest vaccine)

Common Questions About the Shingles Vaccine

1. I’m healthy. Do I still need it?
Yes. Even healthy adults aged 50 and above are at risk. The virus can reactivate without warning.

2. I’ve had shingles before. Should I still get the vaccine?
Yes. Getting vaccinated helps prevent future episodes, as shingles can occur more than once.

3. What are the possible side effects?
Most people experience only mild effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or mild fever. These usually go away within a few days.

4. How many doses are needed?
The current recommended vaccine (Shingrix) is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.

5. Can I take it together with other vaccines?
Yes, the shingles vaccine can usually be taken alongside flu or pneumococcal vaccines. Your doctor can advise on the best schedule for you.

Who Should Not Take the Vaccine

You may need to postpone or skip the vaccine if you:

• Have a current shingles infection
• Are severely immunocompromised (for example, undergoing certain cancer treatments)
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine

Your doctor will review your medical history before vaccination to ensure it is safe for you.

Subsidies are available for the Shingles Vaccine!

Good news! Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is subsidised for eligible Singapore Citizens under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule. Subsidies vary by CHAS/Merdeka Generation/Pioneer Generation status, and are available at 36 HMI OneCare Clinic locations at the moment.

How to book and what to bring:

1. At the next section of this article, select your nearest HMI OneCare Clinic via the drop down list, or call the clinic directly to check vaccine availability and subsidy eligibility.
2. If you are calling the clinic directly, do inform the clinic staff of your CHAS/Pioneer Generation/Merdeka Generation status, and any medical conditions that you might have so that they can confirm your subsidy eligibility. Otherwise, our clinical team will be able to assist with these checks on the day of your appointment.
3. Bring your NRIC/FIN and CHAS/PG/MG card on the day of vaccination.
4. Book both doses when you make your appointment (Shingrix requires two doses 2 to 6 months apart).

Book Your Appointment

Take the First Step to Protect Yourself

Do not wait until shingles strikes. Protect yourself early and enjoy peace of mind knowing you have taken an important step for your long-term health.

Visit your nearest HMI OneCare Clinic today to learn more about the shingles vaccine, check your subsidy eligibility, and schedule your appointment.