The Shingles Vaccine: Who Should Get It and Why?
Want to know how to protect yourself against shingles? Read this post to learn more about the shingles vaccine and if it’s right for you.
One of the most common questions about the shingles vaccine is: “Who should get it?”
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There are a lot of factors to consider, and if you’re trying to decide whether or not to vaccinate yourself or a loved one against shingles, it can be confusing to know what’s important and what isn’t.
That’s why we created this post—to help you understand all the factors that go into deciding whether or not to get vaccinated against shingles.
We’ll cover what shingles is, how to prevent it, and who should receive the vaccine. Keep reading to learn more!
The Shingles Vaccine: Who Should Get It and Why?
Before diving into all the details about the shingles vaccination, let’s cover the basics.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that occurs in people who’ve previously been infected with chickenpox. The virus stays dormant in the body and can flare up again years later, causing shingles.
This condition typically causes a painful rash on the skin and sometimes in the eye area and can last for several weeks. The rash typically begins as blisters and then develops into fluid-filled sores that crust over and eventually heal. Some people also experience pain in parts of their body, like their abdomen or back, before they develop any signs of shingles.
Shingles occurs most often in older adults, but it can also occur in children and teens who’ve had chickenpox. Additionally, shingles may be more likely to occur if you are immune-compromised, such as from HIV or AIDS.
Protecting Yourself With the Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is designed to prevent you from getting the virus in the first place. If you’ve had chickenpox before, there’s a good chance that the shingles vaccination could help protect you from getting shingles later on.
There are currently 2 vaccines that help protect against shingles: Shingrix® and Zostavax® II. Both are recommended for adults 50 years or older.
Shingrix® is usually the recommended vaccine due to its efficacy and safety profile. Zostavax® II is an option for people who cannot receive Shingrix® due a medical reason.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you determine which vaccine is right for you based on your age, health history, past vaccine reactions, and any existing medical conditions.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Adults who are 50 years or older (including those who previously had shingles disease or chickenpox) should consider getting vaccinated against shingles. Even if you have never had shingles disease or chickenpox, it is still a good idea to get vaccinated to reduce your risk.
Always consult a healthcare professional when determining if the shingles vaccine is right for you.
Shingles Vaccine Benefits
Vaccinating against shingles is the best way to protect yourself from this painful condition. In fact, vaccination can reduce your risk of developing shingles by 50% for Zostavax® II and more than 90% for Shingrix®.
Even if you do end up getting shingles after receiving the vaccine, there is a good chance that you will experience less pain as a result of your increased immune response.
Shingles Vaccine Side-Effects
While the vaccine is very safe, there are some possible reactions to watch out for. Below is a list of common side effects of the vaccine:
- Headaches
- Soreness
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- Itching
- Fever
- Muscle soreness
- Fatigue
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Although allergic reactions from the shingles vaccine are extremely rare, it is important to watch out for symptoms such as hives, breathing problems, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. In the case of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately.
We will also request that you stay in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination so that we can assist you in the case of an unexpected allergic reaction.
How to Get the Shingles Vaccine
If you are considering receiving the shingles vaccine and are over the age of 50, Wellness Pharmacy can save you a visit to your doctor or public health nurse. Our specially trained pharmacists can administer recommended immunizations to protect you against shingles.
Please note that the shingles vaccine is not provided for free in BC, however private insurances may cover the cost.
You can contact us here to learn more.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the shingles vaccine is a great option for many people. If you are over 50 years old and have previously had chickenpox, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the vaccine is right for you.
Finally, contact us here to learn more about the shingles vaccine and how to book an appointment.
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