There is currently one vaccine that can help prevent shingles in the United States.
This article discusses what you better know about Shingrix, the shingles vaccine.
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Why Get Vaccinated?
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Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Its estimated that up to 10%18% of people who get shingles will have PHN.
PHN develops in the areas where the shingles rash has been, even after the rash clears up.
It can last for months or years after the rash goes away.
Among people 70+ vaccine efficacy was 85% four years after vaccination.
Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine, and thesecond doseis given twosix months after the first one.
There is no maximum age limit to receive Shingrix.
Most primary care doctors and pharmacies offer it throughout the year.
The vaccine is safe for most adults, even people with a compromised immune system.
Who Should Get the Shingrix Vaccine?
Shingrix isrecommended for adults 50 years and older, and:
There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
Who Should Not Get the Shingrix Vaccine?
Potential Side Effects
As with any vaccine, the Shingrix vaccine comes with possible side effects.
The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site.
About 80% of those who receive the vaccine report mild to moderate arm soreness.
You may also notice redness and some mild swelling at the injection site.
Side effects typically last about twothree days, and were more common in younger people.
While rare, it is possible to experience a severe allergic reaction to the shingles vaccine.
It can activate at any time, and the best way to prevent it is with the Shingrix vaccine.
If you are age 50 or older, talk with your healthcare provider about scheduling the two doses.
If you are currently infected with shingles, wait until you feel better before scheduling the vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Shingles (Herpes Zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingrix shingles vaccination.
Immunization Action Coalition (IAC).Ask the Experts - Zoster (shingles).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Immunization schedules | Schedule changes & guidance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine information statement | Shingles recombinant.
Warren-Gash C, Forbes H, Breuer J.Varicella and herpes zoster vaccine development: lessons learned.Expert Rev Vaccines.
2017 Dec;16(12):1191-1201. doi:10.1080/14760584.2017.1394843
