Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It results in a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk since the virus can remain dormant and reactivate as shingles. The risk increases with age, especially for those 50 and older

Symptoms typically start with pain, tingling, or itching on one side of the body, followed by a rash that turns into painful blisters. Fever, headache, and fatigue may also occur

The vaccine is highly effective, reducing the risk of shingles by over 90% in most adults and providing long-lasting protection

Shingles usually last 2 to 4 weeks, but complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—long-lasting nerve pain—can persist for months or years

Yes, although uncommon, it is possible to get shingles more than once. The shingles vaccine helps reduce the risk of recurrence

PHN is a complication of shingles that involves severe, lasting nerve pain after the rash has healed, often impacting older adults

The vaccine boosts the immune response to prevent the reactivation of the virus, reducing the risk of shingles and complications. It’s recommended for adults aged 50 and older, and for those 19 and older with weakened immune systems

Common side effects include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, and mild fever. These effects are usually temporary

Shingles itself isn’t contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can spread through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters to someone who hasn’t had chickenpox, potentially causing chickenpox in that person. The vaccine significantly lowers the chance of developing shingles, a painful rash that can last for weeks. Shingles usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, but complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a long-lasting nerve pain—can persist for months or years