Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a common viral infection, characterized by a painful skin rash, which later form blisters. It is also referred to as Herpes zoster or simply zoster. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox i.e. varicella-zoster virus. After the chickenpox has gone, the virus remains in the nerve cells of the body in a dormant state. After many years, this virus can reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles is a contagious disease (a healthy person can get infected on coming in contact with fluids from shingles blisters) that can cause chicken pox in people who have not suffered from chicken pox earlier. Also, people who have a compromised immune system are susceptible to shingles. But overall, shingles is more common among old people.

Symptoms of shingles include pain, increased sensitivity, numbness, burning, itching, tingling sensation in a specific area of skin. Then, rash appears which later forms fluid-filled blisters. After about 5 days, the blisters pop and the fluid oozes out. The blisters then dry up and crust over. It takes around 2-4 weeks to heal the rash. Along with the rash and blisters, people may suffer from diarrhea, chills, headache, abdominal pain, and maybe, fever and pneumonia. Usually, rashes are seen on the face, chest and back, but it can also develop on arms and legs. About 1 in 5 cases of shingles suffer from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles, in which the pain continues for a longer duration (several months to even years). Shingles treatment is done by giving anti-viral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes, pain relievers are prescribed for alleviating severe pain.

What is Shingles Vaccine

The shingles vaccine prevents the spread of shingles. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the first shingles vaccine, Zostavax, in 2006. The vaccine contains a weakened varicella-zoster virus, which helps in the stimulation of the body’s immune system to fight and protect against diseases caused by the same virus.

Who should Receive Shingles Vaccine

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has recommended a single dose of shingles shot for adults of 60 years and above. People who have had shingles can also receive shingles vaccine to prevent from future occurrences of the disease. Since people in the age group 60 years and above are more vulnerable to shingles, clinical studies on the vaccine have been carried out specifically on them. According to a clinical study done on this age group, the shingles shot was seen to reduce the risk of shingles in about 50% of the participants and the incidence of PHN in 67% of them.

Though the shingles vaccine has been recommended for all adults, it is not advisable for people who have an allergy to gelatin and neomycin (components of shingles vaccine). This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Women should not get pregnant for at least three months, after taking shingles vaccine. It is also not recommended to people with a weakened immune system such as those suffering from HIV, diabetes, leukemia, lymphoma and those who have received immunosuppressive drugs, like steroids and chemotherapy treatments. If a person has active tuberculosis and any other type of illness, then he/she should wait till after recovery from the illness.

What are the Risks of Shingles Vaccine

There may be certain risks involved post-shingles vaccine. However, such problems are rare and mostly mild. Some of the post vaccination reactions may include headache and redness, itching and swelling in the injection site. Severe problems like high fever, allergic symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and increased heartbeat rate can occur in some cases.

One should always take advice of a qualified specialist before getting shingles vaccine. It is advisable to understand the pros and cons of shingles vaccine. If any complications are observed after vaccination, then it is advisable to seek medical attention.