Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

There is an available vaccine, Shingrix, that can help prevent shingles. Read on to learn more about its benefits and risks.

Reasons to Get the Shingles Vaccine

Once a person develops chickenpox after contracting the varicella-zoster virus, the virus never leaves the body. It remains dormant in the nerve roots and can reappear as shingles later in life.

The primary symptom of shingles is a painful rash on one side of the body, most often on the torso or face. People initially have pain or a burning sensation on the skin without a rash, and then painful blisters develop. 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. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults age 50 and over receive two doses of Shingrix to prevent shingles. The vaccine is recommended even if a person is unsure if they have ever had chickenpox.

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for shingles. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recently approved Shingrix vaccination for adults age 18 and older who are at risk for shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by an underlying disease or medication.

Avoid Repeat Shingles

If you already have had shingles, the vaccine can help protect you against getting it again. You do not need to wait a specific amount of time after having shingles before receiving the vaccine, but generally, the rash should be resolved.

Almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, but most people only have it once.

Who Shouldn't Get It

A person should not get Shingrix if:

• They have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or the first dose of the vaccine.
• They test negative for immunity to varicella-zoster virus.
• They currently have shingles.
• They are pregnant.

If you are experiencing a moderate to severe illness, with a fever or not, you should consider waiting until you are better before getting the vaccine.

Shingles Vaccine Schedule

Shingrix is a two-shot vaccine series. People should receive their second shot two 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 contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax

Zostavax was 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.

Shortly before its discontinuation, the FDA asked for a label change that would indicate there was a risk of developing chickenpox or shingles with the live vaccine and that it could potentially cause a severe problem with the eyes.

People who previously received the Zostavax vaccine should now consider getting Shingrix.

Shingrix Vaccine Side Effects

The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Shivering
• Fever
• Upset stomach
  

Some research has shown that there might be an increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, in adults age 65 and older who receive the shingles vaccine. One study showed that the risk occurred during 42 days of follow-up after vaccination. However, other safety studies have not been conducted to reaffirm this information.

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.

Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine cost. Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine, but there may be a cost to the patient depending on the plan. Usually, the fees are less than $50 per dose.

Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.

Where to Get Vaccinated

Shingrix is available at pharmacies and healthcare providers' offices. The maker of the vaccine offers a vaccine locator on this website. They recommend calling ahead to confirm that your chosen location has the vaccine in stock. 

Summary

Shingles is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). People usually develop the rash later in life.

Shingrix is a highly effective vaccine that can reduce a person’s 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.