Shingles Vaccine

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the body, often the face or torso. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. For some people the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This long-lasting pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it is the most common complication of shingles. Your risk of shingles and PHN increases as you get older. The easiest way to prevent is with the shingles vaccine.

Who Should Get Shingles Vaccine?

People 50 years of age or older should get shingles vaccine. They should get the vaccine whether or not they recall having had chickenpox, which is caused by the same virus as shingles. Studies show that more than 99% of Americans aged 40 and older have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember getting the disease. There is no maximum age for getting a shingles vaccine.

Even if you have had shingles, you can still receive shingles vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease. There is no specific length of time you must wait after having shingles before receiving shingles vaccine, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has disappeared before getting vaccinated.

What Everyone Should Know About the Shingle Vaccine

On October 25, 2017, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted that Shingrix® is:

• Recommended for healthy adults aged 50 years and older to prevent shingles and related complications
• Recommended for adults who previously received the shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) to prevent shingles and related complications
• The preferred vaccine for preventing shingles and related complications

Common Questions About the Shingles Vaccine

What is Shingrix? 

Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine approved by the FDA to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) and its complications. It is made by GSK and has been the recommended shingles vaccine in the United States since 2017.

Who should get Shingrix? 

The CDC recommends Shingrix for healthy adults 50 and older, as well as adults 19 and older who are immunocompromised or at increased risk for shingles. You should get it even if you’ve had shingles before or received the older Zostavax vaccine.

How is Shingrix given? 

Shingrix is given as two doses. The second dose is administered two to six months after the first. For immunocompromised individuals, the second dose may be given one to two months after the first.

How effective is Shingrix? 

Shingrix is highly effective. In adults 50 and older, it is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (the painful nerve condition that can follow a shingles outbreak). Effectiveness remains high even as people age into their 70s and beyond.

Do I need Shingrix if I’ve never had chickenpox? 

Most adults have been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles) even if they don’t remember having chickenpox. The CDC still recommends Shingrix for eligible adults regardless of whether they recall a prior chickenpox infection.

What are the common side effects? 

Shingrix tends to produce more noticeable side effects than many other vaccines, which is actually a sign that the immune system is responding strongly. Common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, and upset stomach. These typically last two to three days.

Is Shingrix covered by insurance? 

For most adults 50 and older, Shingrix is covered by Medicare Part D and most private insurance plans. Coverage for younger immunocompromised adults varies by plan. It’s a good idea to check with your provider or ask our staff about coverage before your appointment.

Can I get Shingrix at the same time as other vaccines? 

Yes. Shingrix can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines. Your provider may choose to give them in different arms to reduce localized discomfort.

What happens if I miss my second dose? 

If more than six months have passed since your first dose, you do not need to start over. Go ahead and get the second dose as soon as possible. The series does not need to be restarted.

Why is Shingrix preferred over the older Zostavax vaccine? 

Zostavax is no longer available in the United States as of November 2020. Shingrix replaced it because it offers significantly stronger and longer-lasting protection. If you received Zostavax in the past, the CDC recommends getting Shingrix as well.

Get Your Shingles Vaccine at The Shot Nurse

You may check with our office for more information. We also offer complimentary car-side service for persons with impaired mobility. Please note they must be accompanied by a caregiver to enter the office to complete payment and paperwork.