The shingles vaccine can prevent both shingles and related complications.
This article will discuss the shingles vaccine, including frequency, effectiveness, side effects, and cost.
Anyone who has ever had chicken pox is at risk for developingshingles.
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After developing into a patch of fluid-filled blisters, the rash usually crusts over and dries out.
This condition, known aspostherpetic neuralgia(PHN), is the most common complication of shingles.
About 10%13% of people 60 years or older with shingles develop PHN.
However, its most common in adults over age 50.
Older adults are also significantly more likely to be hospitalized for shingles-related complications.
People age 19 and up who have a weakened immune system should also consider getting the vaccine.
Should You Get Shingrix If You Had the Zostavax Shingles Vaccine?
Before Shingrix was approved, the Zostavax shingles vaccine was available.
It was discontinued in November 2020 as Shingrix is much more effective.
If you had the Zostavax vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about getting Shingrix.
Some insurers (such asMedicare Part Dplans) cover the vaccine, but you may still have a copay.
However, most patients pay less than $50 out of pocket for the shingles vaccine.
Around 90% of patients with private insurance plans pay less than $5 for each dose of Shingrix.
Some people have side effects that interfere with their daily activities.
Most of these symptoms resolve on their own within two to three days.
Who Should Not Get the Vaccine
Shingrix is safe and effective for most adults.
There is no upper age limit for the vaccine.
It is resulting from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chicken pox.
Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles later in life.
People who are over age 50 or who areimmunocompromisedare especially at risk of developing shingles.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is safe and highly effective in preventing both shingles and PHN.
Allergic reactions to Shingrix are very rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who has had chicken pox is at risk of getting shingles.
Most people who get shingles only get it once.
The rash later develops into a patch of small, fluid-filled blisters.
These eventually crust over and dry out.
Shingles symptoms begin with numbness, itching, and/or burning pain.
A few days later, a painful rash appears.
The rash typically scabs over within seven to 10 days.Other shingles symptoms usually resolve within two to four weeks.
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