Shingles is a painful condition that can lead to long-term complications. Fortunately, the shingles vaccine offers strong protection and is recommended for many adults. In this article, we will explain who should get vaccinated, how the vaccine works, and what to expect before and after receiving it.

What Is the Shingles Vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is a shot given to people who are 50 years and older, or 19 and older for those with a weakened or compromised immune system. The two-shot series can help to prevent shingles or any potential complications. Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine available in the United States.

If you had chickenpox, you have the potential of developing shingles when you are older. People with weakened immune systems have an increased risk of developing shingles. The shingles vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting shingles and may also reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is chronic nerve pain that develops after a shingles infection.

How Does Shingles Immunization Work?

The shingles vaccine is the only way to protect yourself against getting shingles. It is given in a two-shot series. The first shot will be injected into your upper arm, and you will get a second dose of the vaccine 2-6 months later. The vaccine should provide a high level of protection up to seven years after it is administered. Currently, there are no recommendations for a booster after the two-shot series.

The shingles vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or are interested in getting the shingles vaccine.

Why Getting Vaccinated is Important

As people age, the risk of getting shingles increases. Approximately 1 in 3 people in the US will have shingles in their lifetime. The shingles vaccine is important because it helps to prevent people from developing shingles and reduces the risk for complications. Some people may still get shingles even if vaccinated, but the vaccine reduces symptoms and symptom severity. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is important in preventing long-term complications, such as long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The pain from PHN can be debilitating and can last from months to years.

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

Anyone age 50 and older, or 19 and older with weakened immune systems are recommended to get the shingles vaccination. Other people who should get the shingles vaccine include:

• People who have had shingles.
• People who are unsure if they had chickenpox.
• If you were given Zostavax.
• If you were given the chickenpox vaccine (varicella).

Who Should Not Get the Shingles Vaccine?

There are several conditions in which the shingles vaccine may not be recommended. These conditions include:

• If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient or component of the vaccine, or after getting a dose of Shingrix.
• If you are pregnant.
• If you currently have shingles.
• If you have a moderate to severe illness (with or without fever).

Advantages of the Shingles Vaccine

There are several advantages of getting the shingles vaccine. Advantages include:

• Significantly reducing the risk of developing shingles.
• Significantly reducing the risk of long-term nerve pain after shingles.
• Significantly reducing the risk of complications from shingles.
• Reducing hospital stays from complications from shingles.
• Easily administered as a two-shot series.
• A recent analysis of a vaccination program in Wales found that the shingles vaccine appeared to lower new dementia diagnoses by 20%.

Shingles Vaccine Side Effects & Potential Reactions

As with any vaccine or medication, there is potential for side effects or potential reactions. With Shingrix, side effects usually last 2-3 days. It is important to remember that if you happen to experience temporary side effects, they still tend to be much less severe or painful than the actual shingles virus. Common side effects may include:

• Sore arm at the injection site
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Muscle aches
• Headache or fever
• Chills or shivering
• Nausea or vomiting
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (very rare and serious nervous system disorder)

More severe reactions include:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat and face
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Weakness

If you are having severe allergic reaction symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately, call 911, or call your local emergency number.

How Long Are You Contagious After Getting the Shingles Vaccine?

You are not contagious after receiving the shingles vaccine. Shingrix does not use a live or active virus in the vaccine. It uses a part of the virus that cannot affect anyone else.

How Effective is the Shingles Vaccine?

The shingles vaccine has proven to offer strong protection against shingles and PHN, the long-term nerve pain that can occur after having shingles. According to the CDC:

• Shingrix was 97% effective in preventing shingles in healthy adults ages 50-69 and 91% effective in healthy adults 70 or older.
• Shingrix was 91% effective at preventing PHN in adults ages 50-69 and 89% effective in adults aged 70 or older.
• Shingrix between 68-91% effective at preventing shingles in adults with weakened immune systems, which can be dependent on the condition affecting their immune system.

Can You Get Shingles After Getting Vaccinated?

Yes, it is possible for some people to get shingles after receiving the vaccine. However, being vaccinated reduces symptom severity, duration of symptoms, and any complications following shingles.

When Should You Get the Shingles Vaccine?

The recommended time to get your shingles vaccination is if you are a healthy adult who is aged 50 or older, or someone aged 19 or older with a weakened immune system. Do NOT get vaccinated if:

• If you have a severe allergy to the vaccine.
• You are pregnant.
• You currently have shingles.
• Have a moderate to severe illness (with or without fever).

How Often Do You Need to Get Vaccinated?

The shingles vaccine is a two-shot series that is highly effective for at least 7 years. Currently, there is no recommendation for a shingles booster.

Schedule Your Shingles Vaccine Today

If you meet criteria for getting a shingles vaccine, please reach out to Baptist Health today to consult with a healthcare provider and schedule your shingles vaccine. Make an appointment today.