Is the Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccination Important?

Helpful Highlights

• The herpes zoster (shingles) affects 1 out of 3 Americans in their lifetime.

• Vaccination helps reduce the risk of developing shingles, prevents complications, and promotes healthy aging.

• The pain from shingles has been compared to childbirth or passing a kidney stone. It can last for months or years even after the rash goes away.

What it is

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain. More than 99% of Americans born in or before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember having it.

Later in life, when the immune system weakens with age or due to other factors, the virus can reactivate and travel along the nerves to the skin, causing a painful rash that has immediate effects while the rash is present and potential long-term effects even after the rash is gone.

The CDC recommends the shingles vaccination for anyone aged 50 and older.

Shingrix vs Zostavax

Zostavax, the original vaccine for shingles, is no longer available in the U.S. Even if your loved one has already received Zostavax, it is safe and recommended that they get Shingrix because shingles can return multiple times, and Shingrix is much more effective (more than 90%) at preventing shingles and long-term nerve pain or other complications.

Shingrix replaced Zostavax because it is far more effective and has fewer adverse reactions and a lower risk of serious side effects. Its superiority led to the discontinuation of Zostavax production in the U.S.

• Shingrix has two doses, with the second dose 2 to 6 months after the first.

• Your loved one can get Shingrix at their provider's office or pharmacy.

• Most insurance plans cover the cost of Shingrix, so check your loved one's immunization benefit.

  • Medicare Part D started covering the cost completely in 2023.

Shingrix reactions and side effects

Shingrix may cause some short-term side effects because it causes a strong response in the immune system. After getting Shingrix:

• Most people have a sore arm.

• Many people have redness and swelling at the injection site (some up to 4 inches wide).

• Many feel tired and have muscle pain, headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea.

• About 1 in 6 people experience side effects that prevent them from doing regular activities like yardwork or swimming.

• Side effects are mild to moderate and last 2 - 3 days. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen available helps with the most common side effects.

Remember that the pain and disability from shingles can last a lifetime. Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles.

Talk to your loved one's provider about Shingrix if they haven't already received it.