Shingles Vaccination
What is Shingles and How Does the Vaccine Help?
Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate years later, causing shingles. The shingles vaccine is a preventive measure that can significantly reduce the risk of developing this painful condition. Protect Yourself Against Shingles with Our Shingles Vaccine
Benefits of Shingles Vaccination
There are several benefits of getting vaccinated against shingles, including:
Reduced risk of developing shingles: The vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles by up to 90%.
Less severe symptoms: If someone who has been vaccinated does develop shingles, the symptoms are usually less severe and shorter in duration.
Lower risk of complications: The vaccine can also lower the risk of developing complications from shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic pain condition that can last for months or even years.
Types of Shingles Vaccines
There are two shingles vaccines that are currently available:
Zostavax: This is a live attenuated vaccine that was approved by the FDA in 2006. It is given as a single dose and is recommended for people who are 60 years of age or older.
Shingrix: This is a non-live vaccine that was approved by the FDA in 2017. It is given in two doses, with the second dose administered 2-6 months after the first. It is recommended for people who are 50 years of age or older.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
Both Zostavax and Shingrix have been shown to be highly effective at reducing the risk of developing shingles. In clinical trials, Zostavax was found to be 51% effective in reducing the risk of shingles, while Shingrix was found to be 97% effective.
As with any vaccine, there are potential side effects to be aware of. The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Fever
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that all adults who are 50 years of age or older get vaccinated against shingles. This is because the risk of developing shingles increases with age. However, people who have certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications should not get vaccinated. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for you.
Where to Get Vaccination for Shingrix Shot
A&P Pharmacy offers both Zostavax and Shingrix vaccines for shingles. Our experienced pharmacists can also provide additional information and answer any questions you may have about the vaccine. Contact us today to schedule your shingles vaccine appointment.