Shingles, a condition characterized by a painful rash, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can re-emerge years later as shingles. A common question for many is whether they should receive the shingles vaccine if they have already experienced an episode. For most individuals, the answer is yes, and healthcare professionals generally recommend it.
Why Vaccination is Recommended After a Shingles Episode
Having a shingles episode does not guarantee lifelong immunity against future occurrences. While most people experience shingles only once, studies indicate that approximately 1.2% to 9.6% of individuals may have a recurrence. This risk is higher, up to 18%, for those with weakened immune systems.
Natural immunity from a prior shingles infection may not be as robust or long-lasting as the protection provided by vaccination. The vaccine is designed to boost the immune system’s defense against the virus more effectively and consistently than a natural infection. This enhanced immune response helps to reduce the risk of future shingles outbreaks. Vaccination also lowers the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating complication characterized by persistent nerve pain that can linger for months or even years.
Timing and Eligibility for Shingles Vaccination
Medical guidelines generally advise waiting until the shingles rash has completely cleared and any acute pain has subsided before getting vaccinated. While there is no specific mandated waiting period, healthcare providers often suggest a timeframe of a few months. This recommendation applies regardless of how many times an individual may have previously experienced shingles.
The recombinant zoster vaccine, known as Shingrix, is the current vaccine recommended for shingles prevention. It is typically administered as a two-dose series. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix for adults aged 50 years and older. Adults aged 19 years and older with weakened immune systems due to underlying conditions or therapy should also receive the vaccine. For immunocompetent individuals, the second dose is given 2 to 6 months after the first, while immunocompromised individuals may receive it 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety Considerations
The Shingrix vaccine demonstrates high efficacy in preventing shingles and its complications. For adults aged 50 to 69 with healthy immune systems, it is about 97% effective in preventing shingles. For those aged 70 and older, efficacy remains high at 91%. Even if a vaccinated person develops shingles, the illness is typically milder, and the risk of developing PHN is significantly reduced. Shingrix has shown to maintain strong protection for at least seven years, with newer data suggesting effectiveness for over a decade.
Common side effects associated with the Shingrix vaccine are generally mild and temporary, typically lasting two to three days. These can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Other common reactions may involve muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, and fever. While severe allergic reactions are rare, individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component or a previous dose should not receive Shingrix. Pregnant individuals should also wait to receive the vaccine.