Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a viral infection that can lead to a painful rash. After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, resulting in shingles. This reactivation can cause pain and discomfort.
An effective vaccine is available to help prevent shingles and its complications. It works by boosting the body’s natural immunity against the virus, reducing reactivation.
The Shingles Vaccine
The current recommended shingles vaccine is Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine. It is designed to protect against shingles and its related complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a condition characterized by severe nerve pain that can persist long after the shingles rash has healed. Shingrix has demonstrated high efficacy, significantly reducing the risk of developing shingles and PHN.
Recommended Dosing Schedule
The Shingrix vaccine is administered as a two-dose series. For healthy individuals, the second dose is typically given two to six months after the first. Completing both doses provides full protective benefits.
For immunocompromised individuals, the second dose can be administered sooner, usually one to two months after the first. If more than six months pass, the second dose should still be received without restarting the series. Protection from the two-dose series can last for at least seven years.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
Shingrix is recommended for all healthy adults aged 50 and older. The risk of developing shingles and its complications increases with age. The vaccine is highly effective, showing 97% efficacy in adults aged 50 to 69 and 91% in those aged 70 and older.
Vaccination is also recommended for individuals who have previously had shingles, to prevent future occurrences. There is no specific waiting period after a shingles episode, but it is advised to wait until the rash has cleared. Individuals who received the older Zostavax vaccine should still get Shingrix due to superior protection.
Common Questions About the Shingles Booster
Common side effects following Shingrix vaccination are mild and temporary. These can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Other symptoms include muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, and fever. These reactions resolve within two to three days and indicate the immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Shingrix is not recommended for individuals with severe allergic reactions to a vaccine component or previous dose. There are no data on Shingrix use in pregnant or breastfeeding women; they should consult their healthcare provider. The vaccine can be co-administered with other adult vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, at different injection sites.