Zostavax Vaccine
- "I'm over 60."
- "Do I need a Shingles Shot?"
Your risk for shingles increases as you get older.
It doesn't matter how healthy you feel. If you've had chickenpox, you're at risk for Shingles. And as you get older, you're at even greater risk.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Even though chickenpox sores heal, the virus that caused chickenpox, called varicella, remains in your body. This virus lies dormant in your nervous system, and it’s the job of your immune system to suppress it, or keep it from coming back. But age and other factors can weaken the immune system, allowing the varicella virus to resurface as Shingles, a painful rash that’s also called herpes zoster.
The symptoms of shingles include a painful, sometimes prickly or itchy blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the face or body, a fever, headache, chills, and an upset stomach. It is generally preceded by a tingling sensation in the area affected. The rash can last for two to four weeks. Other complications include, pneumonia, blindness, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and in severe cases, death.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine Information.
Studies showed that shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of shingles in those 60 years of age and older. The vaccine can also reduce pain and lower the risk of chronic pain associated with shingles.
Shingles vaccine is given as an injection into the arm underneath the skin, which is known as a subcutaneous injection.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine Information.
- Studies showed that shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of shingles in those 60 years of age and older. The vaccine can also reduce pain and lower the risk of chronic pain associated with shingles. Shingles vaccine is given as an injection into the arm underneath the skin, which is known as a subcutaneous injection.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine Schedule
- A single dose for adults aged 60 and older Shingles vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines
- Who Should Receive the Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine?
- Adults 60 years or older
- Who Should Not Receive the Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccination?
- Those with moderate or severe illness (for example, a severe cold, flu or infection of the sinuses or lungs) should not receive the vaccine until symptoms of the illness improve. People should not get the shingles vaccine if they have a weakened immune system for any reason, including: -HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system -Treatment with corticosteroids for 2 weeks or longer -Cancer or cancer treatment -Active, untreated tuberculosis Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not get the vaccine. Women should avoid becoming pregnant until at least 3 months after getting the shingles vaccine. People with an allergy or hypersensitivity to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin should not receive the vaccine. Those who previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
- Side Effects
- Mild-to-Moderate Problems Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given Headache Severe Problems (Rare) Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including: -Difficulty breathing -Wheezing Hives Paleness Fast heartbeat Dizziness Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain. It is extremely rare for this vaccine to cause serious harm or death. If the person getting the vaccine has a serious reaction, call the doctor or seek immediate medical attention.
Additional Information
Tell your doctor or a healthcare provider if the person getting the vaccine has any severe allergies.
Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-232-4636 or visit the CDC website, at cdc.gov/vaccines, for more vaccine information.
This publication should be used for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.