Vaccine - Shingles - Shingrix
This is a new vaccine that protects against the development of shingles and the pain that can remain after the rash goes away.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- If you have had chickenpox, the virus can become active again years later.
- When the virus reactivates, it can cause a rash and other symptoms associated with shingles.
One complication of shingles is chronic nerve pain at the site of the rash. The pain can persist even after the rash has healed.
- Nerve pain after the shingles is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- PHN can affect the quality of a person’s life.
- Another complication is the development of scar tissue after the rash has healed.
Shingrix and Zostavax are two vaccines given to reduce the risk of developing shingles and PHN.
- Although both vaccines are recommended, Shingrix is preferred because it is more effective.
- Shingrix is recommended for adults age fifty and older. It can be given even if the person has already had shingles or the Zostavax vaccine.
Two doses of the Shingrix vaccine are recommended.
- The second dose is given two to six months after the first.
- If Zostavax has already been given, Shingrix can be given two months after the Zostavax dose.
The best time to get Shingrix will depend on your individual situation. Ask your healthcare provider what is best for you. It is important to remember that if you get the vaccine while you have the shingles, it will not:
- Decrease the symptoms of shingles
- Decrease the complications of shingles, such as chronic nerve pain
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix as the preferred vaccine for the prevention of shingles in adults aged fifty and up.
You should not get the Shingrix vaccine if you are pregnant or have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose or to any of the vaccine’s components.
- The CDC has not yet made a recommendation for the use of Shingrix for people who have a substantially weakened immune system
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have a substantially weakened immune system.
The vaccine may be postponed if you have a fever or a moderate to severe acute illness.
Contact your health care provider if you are over the age of fifty and have questions about the Shingrix vaccine. Here is a list of questions you can ask during your appointment.
- Do you recommend this vaccine? Why or why not?
- Should I get this vaccine if I have already had the other shingles vaccine?
- Does this vaccine need boosters, and when?
- What are the side effects of this vaccine?
- What are the risks if I do not get the vaccine?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Vaccine - Shingles - ShingrixShingrixShingrix ShotZostavaxVaccine ShinglesVaccineShingles VaccineShingles ShotShingles Immunization
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- If you have had chickenpox, the virus can become active again years later.
- When the virus reactivates, it can cause a rash and other symptoms associated with shingles.
One complication of shingles is chronic nerve pain at the site of the rash. The pain can persist even after the rash has healed.
- Nerve pain after the shingles is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- PHN can affect the quality of a person’s life.
- Another complication is the development of scar tissue after the rash has healed.
Shingrix and Zostavax are two vaccines given to reduce the risk of developing shingles and PHN.
- Although both vaccines are recommended, Shingrix is preferred because it is more effective.
- Shingrix is recommended for adults age fifty and older. It can be given even if the person has already had shingles or the Zostavax vaccine.
Two doses of the Shingrix vaccine are recommended.
- The second dose is given two to six months after the first.
- If Zostavax has already been given, Shingrix can be given two months after the Zostavax dose.
The best time to get Shingrix will depend on your individual situation. Ask your healthcare provider what is best for you. It is important to remember that if you get the vaccine while you have the shingles, it will not:
- Decrease the symptoms of shingles
- Decrease the complications of shingles, such as chronic nerve pain
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix as the preferred vaccine for the prevention of shingles in adults aged fifty and up.
You should not get the Shingrix vaccine if you are pregnant or have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose or to any of the vaccine’s components.
- The CDC has not yet made a recommendation for the use of Shingrix for people who have a substantially weakened immune system
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have a substantially weakened immune system.
The vaccine may be postponed if you have a fever or a moderate to severe acute illness.
Contact your health care provider if you are over the age of fifty and have questions about the Shingrix vaccine. Here is a list of questions you can ask during your appointment.
- Do you recommend this vaccine? Why or why not?
- Should I get this vaccine if I have already had the other shingles vaccine?
- Does this vaccine need boosters, and when?
- What are the side effects of this vaccine?
- What are the risks if I do not get the vaccine?
Source UHC.com
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