How to NEVER Get Shingles Again
Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to prevent shingles and its complications.
There are two vaccines approved by the FDA for shingles prevention:Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine): This two-dose vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older, even if you’ve had shingles before or have had chickenpox.
Zostavax (live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine): This one-dose vaccine is an option for adults 50 years and older, but Shingrix is generally preferred due to its higher effectiveness.
Who should get vaccinated?
The CDC recommends Shingrix vaccination for all healthy adults 50 years and older, regardless of whether they have had chickenpox, shingles, or any other herpes zoster vaccine.
Benefits of vaccination:
Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles, with studies showing it reduces the risk by over 90% [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov), Shingles Vaccination cdc.gov].
Vaccination can also help reduce the severity and duration of shingles pain if you do develop the condition.
Other preventative measures:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help strengthen your immune system, which may play a role in reducing your risk of shingles.
Avoid contact with the varicella-zoster virus: This is the virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles. If you haven’t had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, avoid people with shingles or chickenpox as the virus can be spread through contact with the blisters.
Remember:
Even if you’ve had chickenpox or shingles before, you can still get shingles. The virus remains dormant in your nerve cells after the initial infection, and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles, regardless of your past medical history with chickenpox or shingles.
If you have any questions or concerns about shingles or the vaccine, consult with your doctor. They can advise you on the best course of prevention based on your individual health history.