Shingles is a common infection that causes a rash which some people may find painful.

Serious problems including long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness can result from a case of shingles.

If you’ve already had shingles once, you might be wondering if you can get it again – here’s what we know.

Can you get shingles more than once?

If you’ve already had shingles, you can get it for a second time, according to the NHS, so it’s important that you get vaccinated whether you’ve had it before or not.

However, NHS Inform Scotland explains that it’s “very rare” to have shingles more than twice.

The NHS advises that you call 111 as soon as you detect that you might have shingles.

What are the first signs of shingles?

The first signs of shingles can be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin or a headache or feeling generally unwell.

A few days later, someone who has shingles might notice a rash developing which will usually be found on their tummy or chest but it can appear anywhere including on their face, eyes and genitals.

Shingles doesn't always produce a rash, in some rare cases patients won't get one but will still feel pain.

The NHS website adds: “The rash appears as blotches on your skin, on 1 side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.”

Find out more about shingles via the NHS website.

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Who can get the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is recommended for people who are at a higher risk of getting shingles including adults who turned 65 on or after September 1, 2023.

70-79-year-olds who haven't been vaccinated and those who are 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system are also eligible for a vaccine.

When you become eligible to have the shingles vaccine, your GP will contact you – usually by letter, text message, phone or email.

If you’re already seeing your GP for another reason, they might offer you the shingles vaccine then.