Is a shingles vaccine useful?

A shingles vaccine can be very helpful, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

The vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles. People over 50 are at greatest risk of shingles, and vaccination can help reduce this risk. If someone does get shingles after vaccination, the symptoms are often milder and less long-lasting.

One of the most serious complications of shingles is PHN, a condition that causes long-term nerve pain. The vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of this complication.

The vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over and for people aged 18 and over who have a weakened immune system (for example, due to medical treatment or illness).

Shingles vaccination is useful in reducing the risk of the disease and its complications, especially in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The Shingrix vaccine provides effective protection and is strongly recommended in many countries. Consulting a doctor is a good idea to determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-24 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024