Shingles Vaccination – Corner Pharmacy Mt Roskill

Shingles Vaccination at Corner Pharmacy – Mt Roskill, Auckland

Corner Pharmacy, located in Mt Roskill on the Dominion Road extension, offers the Shingrix shingles vaccine to help protect you from one of New Zealand's most painful and common conditions. Our trained pharmacists are here to advise you on eligibility, funding, and scheduling — walk in or book an appointment today.

  • 1 in 3 New Zealanders face the risk of developing shingles in their lifetime.
  • Complications affect 1 in 4 who experience shingles, causing potential long-term pain.
  • SHINGRIX vaccine offers prevention for adults 50+ and those 18+ at higher risk.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It can affect anyone who has had chickenpox in the past. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve cells. Later in life — often due to stress or a weakened immune system — the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles

  • Pain, burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach
  • Red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters (commonly on one side of the body)
  • Blisters that scab over within 7–10 days
  • Rash typically appears on one side of the body, often around the torso or face

The shingles rash typically heals within two to five weeks. During this period, the virus is contagious — avoid contact with people who haven't had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, especially pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.

Complications of Shingles

Some individuals experience persistent nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can cause burning or stabbing pain for months or even years after the rash has resolved. Approximately 50% of individuals aged 70 and older who have had shingles may develop PHN.

Other rare but serious complications can include vision loss, nerve damage, scarring, and in very rare cases, heart attack or stroke. If you think you might have shingles, seek medical attention promptly — especially if the rash is painful or close to your eyes.

Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

If you're 50 years or older, you may be at increased risk for shingles and should consider the Shingrix vaccine. It is over 90% effective in those aged 50+ after 2 doses, and maintains strong protection for at least 7–10 years.

Unlike older vaccines, Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, making it suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems. Just one course (2 doses) is currently recommended for lifetime cover.

Can I Get a Free Shingles Vaccine in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the shingles vaccine is funded for:

  • Adults aged 65: Two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, in the year you turn 65.
  • Immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and over — see the full list of funded conditions here.

If you don't meet these criteria, you can still get the shingles vaccine at your own cost. Speak to our Corner Pharmacy team in Mt Roskill to find out if the shingles vaccine is right for you.

Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine

The Shingrix vaccine can have mild side effects, including:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Shivering or chills
  • Fever
  • Stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

The vaccine has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, so it's generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy or breastfeeding before getting vaccinated. If you're unsure, talk to one of our pharmacists at Corner Pharmacy.

Do I Need the Shingles Vaccine If I've Had the Chickenpox Vaccine?

While early research suggests that having had the chickenpox vaccine may lower the risk of developing shingles later in life, this protection may not be complete. The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection and can reactivate as shingles, especially as we age or if our immune system weakens. We recommend speaking with our pharmacist for personalised advice.

Book Your Shingles Vaccine in Mt Roskill Today

If you're considering the shingles vaccine near Dominion Road or have questions about your eligibility, visit or contact Corner Pharmacy in Mt Roskill. Our team can provide personalised advice to help you make an informed decision about your health. Many of our services are available seven days a week — walk in or book an appointment at a time that suits you.