Understanding the Shingles Vaccine - How It Works and Who Should Get It

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your nerve tissues for years. Later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles typically starts with pain, tingling, or itching in a specific area of your body. After that, fluid filled blisters develop in a band-like pattern on one side of the body and eventually crusts over.

How can Shingles affect me in the long run?

Shingles can take a long time to resolve. While the duration of the rash varies from individual to individual, it generally lasts anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks. For some patients, the pain from Shingles can last for months and years - even after one is past the contagious period. This results from nerve damage - and this condition is called Post-herpetic neuralgia or Shingles Pain. 

Over the age of 50 years old, the annual incidence of Shingles is approximately 3-5 per 1000 individuals. Furthermore, patients who had Shingles in the past, may have another bout of Shingles in the future. For this reason, it is important for patients who are at-risk to consider having the vaccination for Shingles (Shingrix)

This diagram shows how viral reactivation results in Shingles

How does the Shingles Vaccine work?

Shingrix works by training your immune system to recognize and defend against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. The vaccine contains a protein from the virus, along with a substance that helps boost the immune response. When you receive the vaccine, your immune system learns to recognize this protein as foreign and prepares itself to fight off the virus if it ever tries to invade your body.
​
By getting the Shingrix vaccine, you're essentially giving your immune system a heads-up about the virus, so it can be ready to protect you. This helps prevent shingles from developing or reduces its severity if you do happen to come into contact with the virus later on.

Who should get Shingrix?

Shingrix is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, including those who have previously received the older shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Additionally, it's especially important for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing shingles or experiencing complications from the disease. This includes:

1. Adults aged 50 years and older
2. Adults with a history of chickenpox
3. Adults who have previously had shingles
4. Adults with weakened immune systems

Shingrix - 2 doses are required for immunity. These doses are spaced 2-6 months apart.

How long does Shingrix protect me from Shingles for?

​The protection provided by the Shingrix vaccine against shingles has been shown to be long-lasting. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the vaccine provides strong protection against shingles for at least four years after vaccination. However, research is ongoing to determine the duration of protection beyond this timeframe.

What are the risks associated with Shingrix?

While the Shingrix vaccine is generally safe and effective, like any vaccine or medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common and self-limiting side effects of Shingrix include:

1. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
2. Muscle pain
3. Fatigue
4. Headache
5. Fever or chills
6. Gastrointestinal symptoms
   
   

Serious side effects from Shingrix are rare, but they can occur. These may include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or Guillain-Barré syndrome, although the risk of these events is extremely low.
Overall, the benefits of vaccination with Shingrix in preventing shingles and its complications generally outweigh the risks of potential side effects.

​If you have concerns about the vaccine or experience any unusual symptoms after receiving it, you should consult with your healthcare provider.