London, England – April 4, 2025 – Shingles, a painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus, affects 1 in 3 Americans during their lifetime. With the CDC strongly recommending vaccination for adults 50+, here’s what you need to know about the shingles vaccine and why it’s more important than ever.
Why Get Vaccinated?
Shingles (herpes zoster) causes:
- Burning, blistering rash (often on torso/face)
- Long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Vision loss (if affecting the eye)
- Increased stroke risk (by 30% in first year)
Available Vaccines
- Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine)
- 97% effective for adults 50-69
- 91% effective for 70+
- 2-dose series (2-6 months apart)
- CDC preferred choice since 2017
- Zostavax (Live Vaccine)
- ~51% effective
- Only used if Shingrix contraindicated
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
✔ All adults 50+ (even if previously had shingles)
✔ Immunocompromised 19+ (HIV, cancer patients)
✔ Those vaccinated with Zostavax (still need Shingrix)
Side Effects vs. Benefits
- Common reactions: Sore arm, fatigue, headache (1-3 days)
- Rare complications: Severe allergic reaction (<0.001%)
- Key benefit: Reduces shingles risk by >90%, PHN by 89%
Cost and Availability
- Most insurance covers at $0 cost (Part D for seniors)
- Pharmacies: Available at CVS, Walgreens, clinics
- Uninsured: Manufacturer offers patient assistance
Don’t Wait – Act Now
“Shingles pain can last years,” warns Dr. Sarah Klein, Harvard Medical School. “Vaccination is the single best prevention tool we have.”
Book your Shingrix vaccine today – contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy.
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