Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, manifests as a painful skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, VZV can remain inactive in nerve cells for many years. The shingles vaccine helps prevent virus reactivation, reducing shingles risk and its potential complications.
Understanding the Shingles Vaccine Schedule
The recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, is the currently recommended shingles vaccine. It is administered as a two-dose series to provide optimal protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this vaccine for adults 50 years of age and older.
The second dose of Shingrix is typically given 2 to 6 months after the first dose. This two-dose schedule is designed to establish a robust and long-lasting immune response against the varicella-zoster virus.
Protection from a Single Dose
Receiving only one dose of the shingles vaccine provides some level of protection, but it is considerably less than the full two-dose series. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of a single dose of Shingrix against herpes zoster is approximately 56.9%. This contrasts with the higher effectiveness observed with the complete two-dose regimen, which can reach over 90% effectiveness.
A single dose might offer some short-term or partial immunity, but it is generally insufficient to provide the sustained high level of protection intended by the vaccine. While one dose may reduce the risk of developing shingles compared to no vaccination, individuals who have only received one shot remain at a higher risk of contracting the disease. If shingles does occur after a single dose, the symptoms might be less severe, but the primary goal of robust and long-term prevention is not fully achieved.
Completing Your Shingles Vaccination
To achieve the maximum possible protection and the longest duration of immunity against shingles, it is important to receive both doses of the Shingrix vaccine. The second dose significantly strengthens and extends the immune response initiated by the first dose. This comprehensive protection helps reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia.
If you have received only one dose of the shingles vaccine, you should consult your healthcare provider to schedule the second dose. Even if there has been a delay beyond the recommended 2 to 6-month interval, the second dose should still be administered. The vaccine series does not need to be restarted, as studies indicate that protection after the second dose remains strong even with a delayed administration. Completing the series is a straightforward and effective step towards securing robust and lasting protection against shingles.