What Are Your Chances Of Getting Shingles
Only people who have had chickenpox can get shingles.
Out of 100 people, about 30 may get shingles sometime in their lives.footnote 2 And the risk is higher for people age 50 and older. Older people are also more likely to have severe pain with shingles.
Most people who get shingles will not get it again. But some people get shingles more than once.
Who Should Get Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix is a recommended vaccine for all adults age 50 years and older. In addition, everyone 19 years and older who have a weak immune system are now recommended to get Shingrix. Please talk with your primary care provider to see if you are eligible to get Shingrix. You can get this vaccine even if you have had shingles, previously received varicella vaccine or if you don’t know if you have had chickenpox in the past.
You can get a shingles vaccine if you have a minor illness, such as a cold. But if you are severely ill or have a temperature above 101.3 degrees, wait until you recover before getting shingles vaccine.
What Else To Know About The Shingles Vaccine
Ready to get vaccinated? This is the essential info on how the shots are given, what to expect with side effects, and more.
You need two doses of Shingrix to get full protection from shingles. You should get your second dose 2 to 6 months after the first. Your doctor or pharmacist will inject the vaccine into the muscle of your upper arm, so wear clothes that give easy access to that area.
If it has been more than 6 months since you got your first dose, go ahead and get your second dose. You donât need to start over, Dooling says.
Because Shingrix is so new, experts arenât sure whether youâll eventually need another shot, or a booster, years down the road.
âThe CDC is actively following how protected people remain after the two-dose series,â she says. We know that after 4 years, protection remains above 85%. Only time will tell how durable that protection is.â
You do not have to wait between Shingrix and COVID-19 vaccination. The CDC has determined its safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as Shingrex, but recommends they be given in different arms. You should not get eithe vaccine if you have COVID.
Side effects are fairly common. You may have heard that people sometimes have unpleasant side effects soon after they get the shingles vaccine.
âShingrix tends to have has more side effects than some vaccines, like those for the seasonal flu,â says Kistler. The shingles vaccine may cause:
Don’t Miss: What Causes Shingles On Your Body
What Matters Most To You
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to get a shingles vaccine
Reasons not to get a vaccine
I want to lower my chances of getting shingles.
I would rather take my chances without getting a vaccine.
I’m afraid of the pain that shingles can cause.
I’m not afraid of shingles pain.
Getting shots doesn’t bother me.
I don’t like getting shots.
Key Points To Remember
- Shingles can be very painful.
- Adults ages 50 and older and adults 19 and older who have a weakened immune system can get the vaccine. You need two doses, whether or not you’ve had shingles before.
- The vaccine greatly lowers your chances of getting shingles. If you get shingles anyway, you are less likely to have the long-term pain that can occur after shingles than if you hadn’t had the vaccine.
- If you’ve already had shingles, you are not likely to get it again. But some people do.
Also Check: What Foods Should You Avoid With Shingles
Are There Side Effects
Most people dont develop side effects from the shingles vaccine, but some can occur. The vaccine is injected into your arm, so pain and soreness at the injection site are common.
The FDA also issued a warning in 2021 that there may an association between receiving the vaccine and developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome , though the relationship is poorly understood and more research is needed.
GBS is a rare condition in which your bodys immune system attacks part of the nervous system.
Who Is Most Likely To Get Shingles
Shingles may develop in anybody who has had chickenpox. All except a small percentage of the population born after standard vaccination against chickenpox was introduced in 1995 are at risk. The rash of shingles may affect anybody, including young people. The likelihood of contracting shingles, however, does rise with age.
You May Like: Shingles In The Eye And Head
What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision
Check the facts
- That’s right. The vaccine greatly lowers your chances of getting shingles.
- Sorry, that’s wrong. The shingles vaccine greatly lowers your chances of getting shingles.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” The shingles vaccine greatly lowers your chances of getting shingles.
- You’re right. But even if you do get shingles, your symptoms are likely to be much milder.
- Sorry, that’s wrong. You could still get shingles, but your chances are a lot lower with the vaccine.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” You could still get shingles, but your chances are a lot lower with the vaccine.
- You’re right. The CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine.
- Sorry, that’s wrong. The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine.
- It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine.
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Main Causes Of Shingles
It is not clear what makes the varicella-zoster virus suddenly activate. Because the virus remains in the spinal nerve root after recovery from chickenpox, most researchers believe stress could trigger it.
You’re most likely to get shingles if:
- Youre above 60 years old.
- You contracted chickenpox before the age of one.
- You have a weak immune system due to underlying conditions like cancer and AIDS.
- You are under medication like chemotherapy.
- If youve gone through trauma.
- If you are stressed.
Recommended Reading: Can You Put New Shingles Over Old Shingles
Should I Get A Vaccine
Doctors say most healthy people over 50 should get Shingrix, as well as anyone 19 or older who are immunocompromised. Itâs available at pharmacies as well as doctorsâ offices. Most people have been exposed to the chickenpox even if they didnât actually develop symptoms.
You should get the Shingrix vaccine unless:
- You are allergic to any part of the vaccine
- Had a blood test that proves you never had chicken pox
- Have shingles now
Also Check: How Many Shingles Vaccines Are There
Who Should Get The Shot
Anyone age 60 and older should be vaccinated. Even if you have already had the misfortune of experiencing shingles, you can still benefit from the shot. It was once believed that you could only get shingles once in a lifetime but this has been disproven. The rash can recur, but the vaccine can help prevent this.
You should not get the vaccine if you have a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any component of the vaccine. Don’t get the vaccine if your immune system is compromised by things like cancer treatments or steroids. If you have a mild cold, it is okay to get the vaccine, but if you have a severe illness, it is better to wait until you have completely recovered.
It is important to consult your physician about the shingles vaccine. We can prevent a great deal of misery and pain with modern healthcare, so it is important to be aware of what new tools are available and how to best utilize them.
You May Like: Best Topical Cream For Shingles
What Are The Causes Of Shingles
The varicella-zoster virus first generates the recognizable chickenpox rash on the whole body in newly infected people. After an adequate immune response has been mounted and the virus has been suppressed, the immune system reduces viral loads to the point where they no longer induce chickenpox symptoms such as rash and fever.
However, not all of the virus particles are removed. They choose to hide out in our neurons and stay in the body. They remain dormant in our bodies for the remainder of our lives unless our immune systems become weakened by stress or an unrelated sickness.
How Many Doses Of The Vaccine Do I Need
In most cases, the shingles vaccine is given as one dose.
If you have a severely weakened immune system you will be offered a second dose of the vaccine at least 8 weeks after your first dose.
Speak to a healthcare professional about getting other vaccines at the same time so they can advise what’s best for your individual circumstances.
You should ideally wait seven days between the coronavirus vaccination and shingles vaccination.
You May Like: How Long Do You Have Shingles
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Shingrix
Studies show that Shingrix is safe. The vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles. As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. The side effects might affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.
Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Some people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities. Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days. Side effects were more common in younger people.
You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses. If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Guillain-Barré syndrome , a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. There is also a very small increased risk of GBS after having shingles.
If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System . Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS websiteexternal icon, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
If you have any questions about side effects from Shingrix, talk with your doctor.
How Is The Shingles Vaccine Made
The shingles vaccine available in the U.S., Shingrix®, contains a single protein from the surface of herpes zoster virus as well as two adjuvants: QS21 and monophosphoryl lipid A. QS21 is a soap-based molecule isolated from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree. Monophosphoryl lipid A is a detoxified form of lipopolysaccharide, a potent adjuvant taken from the surface of common bacteria.
The first shingles vaccine, called Zostavax®, is no longer available in the U.S. However, this version contained a more concentrated version of the same live, weakened virus as the current chickenpox vaccine. It contained about 14 times the amount of weakened chickenpox virus than the vaccine for children. This amount of virus was necessary to obtain a protective response in the aging immune systems of older adults. The introduction of Shingrix vaccine was important because adjuvants in the vaccine improved immune responses in older adults and decreased the need to use large quantities of the live, weakened virus also necessary to make chickenpox vaccine. For these two reasons Zostavax is no longer available in the U.S.
Dont Miss: Shingles Nerve Pain Without Rash
You May Like: What Is Shingles And What Causes It
What Does The Shingles Vaccine Do
The shingles vaccine can prevent shingles. Every year, about 1 million people in the United States get shingles. Anyone whos had chickenpox can get shingles. Thats because the varicella-zoster virus lives silently in your nervous system after youve had chickenpox. The virus can reactivate later in your life if your immune system is weakened. Your risk of getting shingles goes up as you get older. In the United States, 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime.
Where To Get The Shingles Vaccine
Thinking its time to get a shingles vaccination? Pharmacas pharmacists and medical professionals are some of the best in their field. Their focus is on individual counsel and care for every patient who comes to one of our many locations.
We also offer a broad spectrum of immunizations recommended by the CDC for common health concerns and before traveling abroad. Other immunizations we provide include flu, whooping cough, pneumonia and many more, some of which are available on a walk-in basis at any Pharmaca pharmacy.
We also accept most major insurance plans, meaning you wont have to worry about paying out of pocket for a vaccine you may need.
Thinking of getting a shingles vaccination? to schedule an appointment.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Spread Shingles
Contraindications And Precautions For Shingles Vaccination
Zostavax should not be administered to:
- A person who has ever had a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of herpes zoster vaccine.
- A person who has a weakened immune system because of:
- HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
- treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids,
- cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy, or
- cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Someone with a minor acute illness, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But anyone with a moderate or severe acute illness should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. This includes anyone with a temperature of 101.3°F or higher.
This information was taken from the Shingles Vaccine Information Statement dated 10/06/2009.
If Youre 50 Or Older Get Shingrix
- Shingrix provides strong protection from shingles and long-term nerve pain.
- Get Shingrix even if you already had shingles, because you can get the disease more than once.
- Your risk of shingles and complications increases as you age.
- You need 2 doses of Shingrix. Get the second dose 2 to 6 months after you get the first dose.
Read Also: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Shingles
What Is The Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix is a vaccine that contains an inactive form of the herpes zoster virus. It helps you develop an immunity to the active virus.
Adults receive the vaccine in two separate doses. Generally, healthy adults over age 50 get their second dose 2 to 6 months after the first dose. Immunocompromised adults may get the second dose sooner.
There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
Who Can Get Shingles
Anyone who has had and has recovered from chickenpox can develop shingles, even children. However, the risk increases as people age and is most common in people 50 and older.
Additionally, there are those who are at a higher risk of developing shingles, such as:
- Those with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system, like cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus .
- People currently receiving immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs administered after an organ transplant.
Most people who end up developing shingles usually only have one episode during their lifetime. However, having a second or even a third episode is not uncommon.
Recommended Reading: Early Signs Of Shingles On Stomach
How Is Shingles Diagnosed
A doctor will examine the rash on your skin and ask you about your symptoms. This is usually how healthcare professionals diagnose shingles.
A healthcare professional may remove some fluid from a blister for testing, but typically this is not necessary.
recommends:
- two doses of chickenpox vaccine regardless of age
- two doses of Shingrix for adults over age 50 and adults with weakened immune systems
According to the , you should get the vaccine even if, in the past, you:
- received Zostavax, another vaccine that is no longer on the market
- received the varicella vaccine
Creating and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can also help prevent or lessen flare-ups.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
Its normal to have questions before you get a vaccine. Some common questions you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider include:
- When should I get the shingles vaccine?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How does the shingles vaccine work?
- When should I schedule each dose of the shingles vaccine?
- How effective is the shingles vaccine?
- Is there any reason I shouldnt get the shingles vaccine?
- What could happen if I dont get the shingles vaccine?
Don’t Miss: What Does Shingles Look Like On Your Chest
Main Complications Of Shingles
Shingles may cause health complications like Post-herpetic neuralgia and Herpes zoster ophthalmicus . Post-herpetic neuralgia can occur when shingles pain persists even after the rash has faded. Its caused by damaged nerve fibers on the skin that create discomfort. You’re more prone to get severe post-herpetic neuralgia as you get older.
In severe circumstances, if a shingle rash appears on your face, your cornea may be damaged, affecting your vision.
Who Is Eligible For The Vaccine
People aged 70 years of age are eligible for the vaccine.
The vaccine is also available for those previously eligible but who missed immunisation. For example, anyone in their 70s who has not yet had the vaccine.
You become eligible for the shingles vaccine as you turn 70 and remain eligible up to the age of 79.
People under 70 years of age are at lower risk of shingles but will become eligible for the vaccine when they turn 70. People aged 80 years and over are not eligible for the shingles vaccination because the vaccine becomes less effective as people get older. If you are worried about shingles speak to your GP.
Read Also: Does Shingles Start With Back Pain