Shingles
What do you know about shingles (herpes zoster)?
Shingles is an itchy & painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox.
If you have had the chickenpox in your lifetime, the virus that causes shingles is "hiding" in your nervous system.
It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime.
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the face or body. Shingles outbreaks on the face, near the eyes can sometimes cause vision complications. Most people who get shingles experience acute pain; described as a burning sensation.
The most common complication of shingles is nerve pain (post herpetic neuralgia or PHN) that can last for months or even years
What is the underlying cause of shingles?
Reactivation of the virus may be caused by illness, stress, or medications that can cause a decline in your immune system.
AGE also is a factor!
As we age, our immune system declines; this increases your risk for shingles. Approximately 99% of individuals 50 years of age & older are infected with the virus that causes chickenpox, thus putting them at rick for shingle.
How can I protect myself?
If you are 50 years of age or older, get vaccinated with the vaccine, Shingrix, to help prevent shingles. If you are under 50 years of age but immunocompromised, visit with your pharmacist to determine if you are eligible for the vaccine.
What is Shingrix?
Shingrix is a vaccine given as a series of 2-doses; the 2nd shot is administered 2 to 6 months after the first shot. To receive the protection against shingles offered by Shingrix, it’s important to get both shots.
Shingrix was proven to be over 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older.
If you have previously received the vaccine, Zostavax, you should still receive the Shingrix vaccine.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about Shingrix and your vaccination status.
What kind of side effects to expect after vaccination with Shingrix?
Side effects after vaccination can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. You may also experience muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, or upset stomach. Most side effects from the vaccination last approximately 48 hours.
It is important to return for your second dose of Shingrix in 2 to 6 months. Your pharmacist may ask you to schedule a date and time that works best for you.
What kind of side effects to expect after vaccination with Shingrix?
Side effects after vaccination can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. You may also experience muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, or upset stomach. Most side effects from the vaccination last approximately 48 hours.
It is important to return for your second dose of Shingrix in 2 to 6 months. Your pharmacist may ask you to schedule a date and time that works best for you.
Will I need a prescription for this vaccine?
Ask your pharmacist; most Lewis Drug locations have an agreement with local providers that allows for individual screening and vaccination at the pharmacy that same day.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
The Inflation Reduction Act that became effective January 1, 2023, has made the vaccination more affordable.
Shingrix is now $0 for most individuals 50 years and older.
- 90% of commercial insurance plans cover Shingrix at $0 copay
- Medicare Part D plans cover Shingrix at $0 copay
Sources:
CDC: About Shingles. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html
CDC: Shingles Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know about the Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html
Immunize.org Ask the Experts: Zoster (shingles) https://www.immunize.org/zoster/
GSK: Shingrix - US Patient Site. https://www.shingrix.com/
Shingles - Vaccine Information Statement - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/shingles-recombinant.html