Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Shingles is a skin rash characterised by pain and blistering that usually appears on one side of the face or body. 
  • The virus responsible for shingles can be spread to a person who has not had chickenpox disease or vaccinations when they come into contact (either directly or indirectly) with the fluid contained in the rash blisters.
  • You can’t catch shingles from another person with shingles.
  • Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
  • Treatment is most effective within 3 days of the rash appearing.
  • The Australian Government provides free shingles vaccinations for some people under the National Immunisation Program.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 19-09-2024