There is an available vaccine,Shingrix, that can help preventshingles.
Read on to learn more about its benefits and risks.
It remains dormant in thenerve rootsand can reappear as shingles later in life.
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The rash lasts approximately seven to 10 days and fully clears within two to four weeks.
The likelihood of developing shingles increases dramatically after age 50.
The vaccine is recommended even if a person is unsure if they have ever had chickenpox.
People with weakenedimmune systemsare at higher risk for shingles.
Complications of Shingles
Shingles can lead to serious complications.
Therefore, they should receive thechickenpox vaccineinstead of the shingles vaccine.
Shingles Vaccine Schedule
Shingrix is a two-shot vaccine series.
People should receive theirsecond shottwo to six months after their first shot.
Shingles Vaccine Ingredients
Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine.
This means it contains a protein from a killed virus that helps create an immune response.
It does not have a live virus.
Additionally, Shingrix is not egg-based, and it does not containthimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative.
Shingrix vs. Zostavax
Zostavaxwas a shingles vaccine that contained live, weakened virus.
As of late 2020, Zostavax is no longer available in the United States.
Its manufacturer pulled it from the market.
People who previously received the Zostavax vaccine should now consider getting Shingrix.
How Effective Is Shingrix?
Shingles Vaccine and Insurance
Private health insurance plans often cover vaccination costs.
Still, a patient might have a charge depending on the specific insurance plan.
Usually, the fees are less than $50 per dose.
Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.
They recommend calling ahead to confirm that your chosen location has the vaccine in stock.
People usually develop the rash later in life.
Shingrix is a highly effective vaccine that can reduce a persons risk of developing shingles and painful complications.
The CDC recommends vaccination for adults age 50 and over, or any adult who is immunocompromised.
It is a two-shot series offered in healthcare offices and pharmacies.
A Word From Verywell
Shingles is an incredibly painful rash, and its complication can be debilitating.
It is best to avoid it altogether by getting the highly effective Shingrix vaccine.
Discuss the vaccine with your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shingrix is highly effective.
However, chickenpox immunity testing is not required before receiving the shingles vaccine.
And, shingles vaccination is indicated even if chickenpox infection history is unknown.
Severe allergic reactions to this vaccine are infrequent.
These symptoms usually develop a few minutes to a few hours after vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles vaccination.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Shingrix.
GlaxoSmithKline.Shingrix: mechanism of action.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about Zostavax.
GlaxoSmithKline.Shingrix: cost and coverage.
GlaxoSmithKline.Shingrix: vaccine locator.
