Shingles assessment online
Painful, tingling skin with a one-sided blistering rash? Check whether it looks like shingles and whether it's safe to review online. If it fits, a clinician can prescribe antiviral treatment — started early, it works best.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- If the rash fits shingles and treatment can still help, a clinician may prescribe antiviral medicine
- The clinician may ask for a clearer photo before deciding
- Eye, ear, widespread or severe symptoms may need urgent in-person care
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- The rash is new, limited and can be clearly described or photographed for the clinician
- There are no eye, ear, face, widespread-rash or severe-illness warning signs
Use another service first if…
- Rash or symptoms near the eye, ear or face, or any vision, hearing, dizziness or facial-weakness change
- Widespread blisters, pregnancy, weakened immunity or feeling seriously unwell
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Call 111 now if you…
- feel very unwell
See a doctor today if you…
- notice the rash spreading to your eye, ear or face
- get hearing or vision changes
- feel dizzy
- notice weakness or drooping of your face
See your GP if you…
- have ongoing or severe pain after the rash heals
About shingles
Shingles happens when the virus that caused chickenpox earlier in life reactivates in the body. It causes pain or tingling followed by a band of blisters, usually on just one side of the body.
- Pain, tingling or very sensitive skin followed by grouped blisters
- A one-sided rash that does not usually cross the middle of the body
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Where the rash is, when it began and how it feels
- Eye, ear, spreading-rash and general-illness warning signs
- Pregnancy, immune or kidney health, medicines and allergies
Frequently asked questions
Can someone catch shingles from me?
Until every blister has crusted over, the virus can give chickenpox (not shingles) to someone who hasn't had it before. Avoid pregnant people, newborns and people with a weakened immune system during that time.
Can shingles happen more than once?
It's uncommon, especially at a younger age or with no known reason for a weaker immune system. If that happens, your clinician may want to check your immune health as well as treat the current episode.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.