Should You Get the Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine If You Have Had Shingles?
Yes because as we age, our immune systems age too so when, for whatever reason, our immune systems become suppressed, we are at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) – even if we’ve already had it. The shingles (zoster) vaccine was developed in part to lessen the chances of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a painful inflammation of the nerve ending that can last for months after the rash had disappeared.
In addition, the vaccine, which is a live but considerably weakened virus (known as an “attenuated” vaccine), lessens the severity/pain of the rash if you are unfortunate enough to develop it more than once. In other words, the vaccine may not protect you from developing shingles but it won’t be as severe.
Administration of the vaccine is encouraged in people older than 60 and in those with chronic illnesses. Since 50% of people who live until 85 will develop shingles, it is prudent to get it.
What is shingles? Shingles is the reactivation of the chicken pox virus which lies dormant in your body after you’ve been exposed to chicken pox (varicella). The shingles rash can appear on any part of the body but we frequently see it on one side of the trunk without crossing the midline. It can also appear near the eyes and medical attention needs to be sought immediately in order to avoid blindness.
Given how debilitating shingles can be, it is definitely worth getting the zoster vaccine. Insurance coverage may vary so be sure to check with your health insurer. For more information, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides recommendations on this vaccine as well as other vaccinations.
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