As well as our seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, McCartan’s Pharmacy offers a range of preventative vaccines that protect against serious illnesses year-round. All vaccines are administered by our trained pharmacist vaccinators in a private consultation area. Please speak with us if you are unsure whether any vaccine is suitable for you.

Shingles Vaccine — Shingrix

Shingles is a painful condition affecting around 1 in 3 people in their lifetime. Shingrix is a non-live, two-dose vaccine (second dose given two months after the first) that is highly effective at preventing shingles and reducing the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months or years.

Who should get Shingrix?

• Adults aged 50 and over
• Adults aged 18–49 who are immunocompromised or at increased risk of shingles
• Those who have previously had shingles (at least one year after their infection)

Shingrix is available year-round and is a private service, subject to a charge. Please ask our team for current pricing. Please note: Zostavax has been discontinued and is no longer recommended — Shingrix is now the only recommended vaccine for shingles prevention in Ireland.

Pneumococcal Vaccine — Pneumovax (PPV23)

The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine protects against serious bacterial infections including pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. Pneumovax PPV23 protects against 23 of the most common strains. Most people need this vaccine only once.

The vaccine is recommended — and available free of charge through your GP — for:

• Everyone aged 65 and over
• Adults and children aged 2+ with chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease; diabetes; immunosuppression; absent/non-functioning spleen; cochlear implants; intracranial shunts; or CSF leaks
• Those exposed to metal fumes through their work (e.g. welders)

If you are in an at-risk group, we recommend speaking to your GP to access the vaccine free of charge. The vaccine is also available privately from McCartan’s Pharmacy — please ask for details. It can be given at the same time as your flu vaccine.