SHINGLES VACCINATION

What is shingles?

Herpes zoster or Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) in people who have previously had chickenpox. It begins with a burning sensation in the skin followed by a rash of very painful fluid-filled blisters that can then burst and turn into sores before healing. Often one area of the body is affected, usually the chest but sometimes the head, face and eye.

The shingles vaccine  contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). It’s similar, but not identical to, the chickenpox vaccine. It is given as a single injection into the upper arm. You’ll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year.The vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you are unlucky enough to go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed.

It’s fine to have the shingles vaccine if you’ve already had shingles. The shingles vaccine works very well in people who have had shingles before and it will boost your immunity against further shingles attacks.

Who Should Get Shingles Vaccine?

There is no maximum age for getting shingles vaccine.However, Adults of 60 years and above are at high-risk of getting shingles.

The vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people aged 50 years and older. However, CDC does not have a recommendation for routine use of shingles vaccine in people 50 through 59 years old. Adults vaccinated before they are 60 years old might not be protected later in life when the risk for shingles and its complications are greatest since protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. Adults 50 through 59 years who have questions about shingles vaccine should discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.