Shingles vaccine

Once you turn 50, your health care provider will start discussing some routine screenings and vaccinations you may have never considered. Among them is the shingles vaccine, which is crucial in keeping you healthy as you age.

At Aurora Health Care, our preventive care team is dedicated to providing all necessary routine vaccines. We offer care in convenient locations throughout Wisconsin, equipping you with the tools you need to maintain long-term wellness.

What is the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is an immunization that protects adults from the shingles infection. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. After a bout of chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your body. If it becomes active again, it leads to shingles.

Shingles results in a painful, blistered rash. Some individuals may experience ongoing nerve pain even after the rash and blisters have healed, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). By getting vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your risk of shingles infection and its potential complications.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax

The CDC recommends getting the recombinant zoster vaccine known as Shingrix®.

Previously, health care providers in the U.S. used the live zoster vaccine called Zostavax®. Zostavax was approved by the FDA in 2006, while Shingrix was introduced in 2017. For a period of time, both vaccines were available. However, health care providers began recommending Shingrix over Zostavax because it is more effective at preventing shingles and its complications.

As of 2020, Zostavax is no longer distributed in the U.S. Experts now recommend getting the Shingrix vaccine even if you already received the Zostavax vaccine. Ask your provider when you should get the Shingrix vaccine if you’ve received the Zostavax vaccine before.

Who needs the shingles vaccine?

Experts recommend the shingles vaccine for all adults ages 50 and older. You may need the vaccine as early as age 19 if you have a weakened immune system.

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I already had shingles?

Yes, the CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine regardless of whether you already had a shingles infection. Even if you have had shingles before, the vaccine can lower your risk of getting the infection again.

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I’ve never had chickenpox?

Yes, the CDC recommends getting the shingles vaccine even if you’re unsure whether you have had chickenpox. Some people don’t recall ever having chickenpox, but data shows that more than 99% of adults born before 1980 had the infection during childhood. Additionally, experts recommend getting the shingles vaccine even if you received the chickenpox vaccine.

Who shouldn’t get the shingles vaccine?

Most adults over age 50 and immunocompromised people ages 19 to 49 should get the shingles vaccine. There are a few rare exceptions, including people who:

• Are pregnant
• Have an active shingles infection
• Have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines

How effective is the shingles vaccine?

According to research, the Shingrix vaccine is extremely effective in preventing shingles and its complications. In adults:

• Ages 50 to 69: Shingrix is 97% effective at preventing shingles and 91% at preventing PHN.
• Ages 70 and older: Shingrix is 91% effective at preventing shingles and 89% at preventing PHN.
• Ages 19 and older with weakened immune systems: Shingrix is 68% to 91% effective at preventing shingles, depending on your overall health and diagnosis.

How often should the shingles vaccine be given?

Most people need two doses of the shingles vaccine, separated by two to six months. You may get your second dose earlier if you have a compromised immune system.

If you don't get the second Shingrix shot, it's possible that you could still get shingles.

How many years does Shingrix last?

Research indicates that in people with healthy immune systems, the Shingrix vaccine provides protection for at least seven years. There’s not currently a shingles booster shot.

Shingles shot side effects

You’ll likely have some temporary side effects from the shingles vaccine while your body builds immunity. The side effects may be intense enough to keep you from some of your usual activities.

Symptoms typically resolve within two to three days. Younger people are more likely to experience severe side effects.

Shingrix side effects may include:

• Fever or chills
• Headaches
• Mild to moderate pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Muscle pain
• Stomach pain or nausea

Ask your doctor whether you should take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medicines can help decrease side effects after the shingles shot.