How Often Do You Have The Shingles Vaccine

So, I was at the park the other day, enjoying the sun, when I saw old Mr. Thompson. He was rubbing his back, grimacing. I asked him if he was okay, and he said, "Oh, it's just these darn shingles again!" I was taken aback. I mean, isn't there a vaccine for that? I thought. That's when I realized, I had no clue about shingles vaccines. None. Zip. Zilch. So, I decided to dive into the world of vaccines and shingles. Let's explore this together, shall we?

What are Shingles?

First things first, let's understand what shingles are. Shingles, my friends, is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox, you're at risk of getting shingles. Fun, right? (Not.)

Who's at Risk?

Now, you might be thinking, "But I had chickenpox as a kid, does that mean I'm doomed to get shingles?" Well, not exactly. The risk of getting shingles increases as you age. In fact, about half of all shingles cases occur in people aged 60 and older. But, anyone who's had chickenpox can get shingles. Even yours truly, sitting here writing this.

The Shingles Vaccine: A Lifesaver?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the vaccine in the arm. There are two shingles vaccines available: Zostavax and Shingrix. Zostavax is a live vaccine, while Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant vaccine. Both are recommended for adults aged 50 and older, but Shingrix is preferred because it's more effective and its protection lasts longer.

How Often Do You Need It?

Here's where things get a bit tricky. Zostavax is given as a single dose, while Shingrix is given in two doses, spaced two to six months apart. But, here's the kicker: you can still get shingles even after being vaccinated. The vaccines reduce your risk of getting shingles and, if you do get it, they can make the symptoms less severe. But, they're not a guarantee against the virus.

As for boosters, the CDC recommends a single dose of Shingrix for adults aged 50 and older, regardless of whether they've received Zostavax in the past. And if you're wondering about the timing of these vaccines, the CDC recommends getting the shingles vaccine even if you don't remember if or when you had chickenpox. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Infographic: Age 50 and over? Get the shingles vaccine! | National

But Does It Work?

You might be wondering, "Okay, but do these vaccines actually work?" Well, according to the CDC, the Shingrix vaccine is 97% effective at preventing shingles in people aged 50 through 69, and 91% effective in those aged 70 and older. Zostavax, on the other hand, is about 51% effective in preventing shingles in people aged 60 and older. So, while neither vaccine is a perfect shield against shingles, they're both pretty darn good at reducing your risk.

Any Side Effects?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the side effects in the arm. Like any vaccine, shingles vaccines can cause side effects. Common side effects of Shingrix include pain, redness, and swelling where the shot was given, as well as headache, stomach pain, muscle pain, tiredness, and shivering. Zostavax can also cause these symptoms, but they're usually milder.

But here's the thing: these side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. And they're a small price to pay for the protection against shingles. Plus, think of it this way: you're trading a sore arm for a reduced risk of a painful, blistering rash. I'd take the sore arm any day.

Shingles / Pneumococcal vaccination programme

So, Should You Get Vaccinated?

Alright, so we've talked about what shingles are, who's at risk, the different vaccines available, how often you need them, and whether they actually work. But the big question is: should you get vaccinated?

Well, that's a decision you should make with your healthcare provider. But, if you're aged 50 or older and you've had chickenpox (which, let's be real, is most of us), then the answer is probably yes. Shingles can be incredibly painful and debilitating, and the vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of getting it. So, why not give yourself the best protection possible?

And who knows, maybe next time I see Mr. Thompson at the park, he'll be pain-free and enjoying the sun. All thanks to a little shot in the arm.