20 Min
In Pharmacy CPD Modules
CPD modules help to expand your clinical knowledge on a whole range of topics. Make sure you log your learning so you can track your progress and add to your online revalidation record.
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This CPD module is designed to support pharmacists and their teams to deliver Pharmacy First and similar services in the UK for shingles.
The module covers:
- Assessment and decision-making about shingles
- Management of the condition
- Red flags and vaccinations.
After completing it you will be able to recognise the typical progression of shingles in a patient and be able to determine between those eligible for supply of antiviral medication and when referral is necessary. You will also be familiar with the updated vaccination schedules for disease prevention.
Key facts
- Shingles is a reactivation of a previous chickenpox infection and is more likely to occur in older people
- The most common complication of shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)
- Actively encouraging eligible patients to have the shingles vaccine is a key public health intervention
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antivirals can reduce the severity and duration of shingles
- To be most effective antivirals should be started within 72 hours of the shingles rash appearing.
Contributing authors: Professor Alison Blenkinsopp and Dr Martin Duerden
