Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful and uncomfortable rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the nerves for years and then reactivate, causing shingles. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles, but the risk increases with age.
The good news is that there is a shingles vaccine available that can help prevent this painful condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 50 years and older get vaccinated against shingles.
The shingles vaccine is a two-dose series given 2 to 6 months apart. It is a live vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus that causes shingles. The vaccine is about 90% effective in preventing shingles, and if a vaccinated person does get shingles, the symptoms are usually milder and the risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is reduced.
PHN is a common complication of shingles that can cause long-lasting pain even after the rash has cleared up. It occurs when the nerves that were affected by the shingles virus continue to send pain signals to the brain. The risk of PHN increases with age, and it can be debilitating for some people.
The shingles vaccine is generally safe, and the most common side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. The vaccine is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or those who have had an allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
The shingles vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D, and many private insurance plans also cover the cost of the vaccine. People without insurance may be eligible for the vaccine at a reduced cost through the CDC's Vaccines for Adults program.
If you're 50 years or older, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against shingles. The vaccine is a safe and effective way to help prevent this painful and potentially debilitating condition.