Shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can result in a painful rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body. This is the same virus responsible for chickenpox, which remains dormant in nerve tissue after initial infection and can reactivate later in life. Approximately one in three people in the United States will experience shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing significantly with age. A vaccine is available to help prevent this condition and its associated complications.
Recommended Age for Vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, for healthy adults aged 50 and older. This recommendation stems from the increased risk of developing shingles and its potential complications as individuals age. Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose typically given two to six months after the first. Completing both doses is important for achieving the full protection offered by the vaccine.
Eligibility for Specific Situations
Beyond the primary age recommendation, Shingrix is also recommended for adults aged 19 and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy. For these individuals, the second vaccine dose can be administered one to two months after the first, if a shorter schedule is needed. Additionally, individuals who have already experienced shingles should still receive the Shingrix vaccine. Having had shingles does not guarantee future immunity, and vaccination can help prevent recurrence. It is generally advised to wait until the shingles rash has completely resolved before getting vaccinated.
Understanding the Shingles Vaccine
The current shingles vaccine available in the United States is Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). This vaccine is preferred over the older live attenuated vaccine, Zostavax, which was discontinued in the U.S. as of November 18, 2020. Common side effects after vaccination can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, along with muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, or upset stomach. These temporary effects usually last for two to three days.
Why Vaccination Against Shingles is Important
Shingles causes a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters, often accompanied by burning, tingling, or itching sensations, and the pain can be severe and debilitating, appearing days before the rash itself. A significant concern is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent nerve pain that can linger for months or even years after the rash heals, interfering with daily life. By preventing shingles, the vaccine also helps to protect against the development of PHN and reduces the overall burden of the disease.