Shingles

Frequently Asked Questions About the Vaccine

What does the shingles vaccine do?

The vaccine, called Zostavax®, reduces the risk of getting shingles in people 60 years of age and older.

How well does the shingles vaccine work?

In studies, the vaccine reduced the risk of developing shingles by about 50 percent. People who were vaccinated but still developed shingles had pain for fewer days than people who were not vaccinated. Probably of most importance is that vaccinated people also experienced shorter periods of PHN (post-herpetic neuralgia), a severe pain that can last long after the shingles rash has disappeared.

Does the shingles vaccine cause side effects?

The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine are redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site and headache.

How is the shingles vaccine given?

The shingles vaccine is given as a single dose by injection under the skin.

Can I get the vaccine even thought I'm under 60?

There isn't enough information available now to determine if the vaccine would be useful in people under age 60. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has therefore approved the vaccine only for use in people 60 and older.

I already had shingles. Will the vaccine help me avoid getting shingles again?

The vaccine was not studied in people who already had shingles, but it can be given whether you've had shingles before or not. However, it is unlikely that people who had shingles will get it again.

I already get a flu shot every year and I got my pneumonia shot. Is it safe to get a shingles vaccine too?

Vaccines are a safe, effective and efficient way to avoid serious illnesses like influenza, certain types of pneumonia and shingles. The shingles vaccine and the inactivated (injected) influenza vaccine were given simultaneously in a clinical study with no negative effects. While an influenza vaccine is needed every year to remain protected, you will only need the shingles vaccine once.