Shingles Vaccine: Who Should Get Vaccinated and Why

Shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), affects an estimated 1 in 3 Americans. Fortunately, a highly effective vaccine, Shingrix, is available to prevent shingles and its complications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the shingles vaccine, including who is recommended to receive it and the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is Shingles?

Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection, reactivates. The virus affects nerves, causing a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body. Symptoms can include blistering, itching, fever, and, in some cases, long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Who is Recommended to Receive the Shingles Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older receive two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and related complications. This recommendation applies regardless of whether you have had shingles before or have previously received the older Zostavax vaccine, which is no longer available in the United States.

Individuals 19 years and older who are immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy should likewise receive two doses of Shingrix. The second dose should be administered 2-6 months after the first.

How Effective is the Shingrix Vaccine?

Studies have demonstrated that Shingrix is over 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults over 50. It is also highly effective in preventing PHN. The vaccine works by triggering the body to create antibodies that fight off the varicella-zoster virus.

Can the Shingles Vaccine Be Given with Other Vaccines?

Yes, Shingrix can be administered at the same time as other adult vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, at different anatomic sites. Coadministration of Shingrix with adjuvanted influenza vaccine (Fluad) and COVID-19 vaccines is currently being studied.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a blood test to spot if I’ve had chickenpox before getting the shingles vaccine? No, it is not necessary to screen for prior varicella infection.
• What if I miss the 6-month window for the second dose? If more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose, administer the second dose as soon as possible without restarting the series.
• Is the shingles vaccine safe? Shingrix is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle pain.

Key Takeaways

• The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and PHN.
• Adults 50 years and older are recommended to receive two doses of Shingrix.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems (age 19+) should also be vaccinated.
• Shingrix can be safely administered with other vaccines.