Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine effectively prevents you from developing shingles or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common side effect of shingles. The vaccine is recommended for healthy adults over 50 years old. It comes in two doses. Most side effects are mild, including redness, pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Rarely are there any severe reactions?
What is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine protects you against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication. Varicella-zoster viruses can cause shingles, the same virus that causes Chickenpox. Shingles usually appear on one side of the body or your face. The rash starts as red bumps that then turn into fluid-filled blisters.
What is the purpose of the shingles vaccine?
Shingles can be prevented with the shingles vaccine. About 1 million Americans get shingles each year. Anyone can get shingles if they have had Chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus lives in your nervous system even after you have had Chickenpox. The virus could reactivate later in life if your immune system is weak. As you age, your risk of developing shingles increases. One in three Americans will experience shingles during their lifetime.
What is the name of the shingles vaccine?
The United States currently has one approved shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is Shingrix (tm) (recombinant Zoster vaccine). Zostavax(r), a second shingles vaccine, is no longer available in the United States.
Who should receive the shingles vaccine?
The CDC recommends that all healthy adults over 50 receive two doses to prevent shingles. This will help to avoid complications and other problems that may develop from the disease. Separate the two doses for at least two to six months. You should still get the shingles vaccine even if you are not a smoker.
Have you ever had shingles?
Before you get the vaccine, wait until your shingles rash has gone.
Have you had Chickenpox?
Studies show more than 99% of Americans over 40 have had Chickenpox. The shingles vaccine should be administered regardless of whether you have had Chickenpox.
You are received Zostavax, the old shingles vaccine.
Before November 18, 2020, people had been vaccinated using Zostavax, a shingles vaccine. Zostavax is no longer available in the United States. You should have Shingrix vaccinated if you've been vaccinated against Zostavax.
Who shouldn't get the shingles vaccine?
Some people should not get the shingles vaccine. These are:
Who has shingles?
People who have suffered a severe allergic reaction to the Shingles vaccine in the past.
Those who have tested negative for the varicella virus. This means you've never had any chickenpox. You should get the vaccine if you have never had Chickenpox.
Persons who are seriously ill.
Are you Pregnant Or Breastfeeding?
How is the shingles vaccine administered?
Your healthcare provider will administer the shingles vaccine as an injection (shot). Two vaccine doses will be distributed to you, each lasting between two and six months.
What are the benefits of the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of developing shingles. Shingles are a painful, reddening rash that develops on one side of the face. The pain can be described as an intense burning or shooting sensation. The rash appears as a single, small area covering one side of the body or one side. It comprises blisters that usually crust over in 7-10 days. It usually disappears within one month.
Other symptoms of shingles include headaches, chills, and stomach upset.
Some people feel the rash pain for several months or even years. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles.
What side effects could the shingles vaccine have?
You may experience some side effects from the shingles vaccine. This is because it helps your body build an immune system against shingles. Side effects can include:
Infrequent are severe reactions to the shingles vaccine. You should dial 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
How long will I be contagious after I have received the shingles vaccine?
Shingrix is the current approved shingles vaccine. You won't become contagious. Zostavax was an old vaccine that used a weaker varicella-zoster virus. People were concerned about spreading the disease to others.
Shingrix does not use the varicella virus live. It uses a dead virus instead. You are not at risk of spreading the disease to others.
Note from Cleveland Clinic
Nobody likes to be shot, especially if it's something they have already received. The newer version is worth your time. Shingrix is more effective than 90% in helping to prevent shingles. The shingles vaccine, which is easy to use because most people have experienced Chickenpox in their pasts, can help avoid the chickenpox virus' stagnant growth from causing shingles.