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Contents
  • Understanding Shingles
  • The Role of Vaccines
  • Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Can Vaccines Really Prevent Shingles?

Can Vaccines Really Prevent Shingles?

The Big Picture

Shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of a virus, can be prevented with vaccines. This article explores the available vaccines and their effectiveness in stopping shingles before it starts.
Contents
  • Understanding Shingles
  • The Role of Vaccines
  • Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Understanding Shingles

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant in their body and reactivate later as shingles. Shingles are known for causing painful skin rashes and can lead to complications like postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent pain condition.

The Role of Vaccines

Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing shingles and reducing its severity if it does occur. Two types of vaccines are available: the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) and the zoster vaccine live (ZVL). RZV is preferred for most individuals due to its higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection. ZVL, although less effective, is still used in countries where RZV is not available.
Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, leading to painful skin rashes and potential complications like postherpetic neuralgia.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

It's recommended that all adults over the age of 50 receive the shingles vaccine, particularly the RZV. For those who are immunocompromised or have specific health conditions, vaccination is advised even earlier, starting at age 19. This proactive step can significantly decrease the risk of developing shingles and its complications.

FAQs

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

Which vaccine is more effective?

The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is more effective than the live zoster vaccine (ZVL).

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

Adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals should get vaccinated.

What are the benefits of the shingles vaccine?

It reduces the risk of shingles and its complications.

Key Takeaways

Vaccination is a crucial step in preventing shingles, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Talk to Doctronic about getting vaccinated and protect yourself from shingles today!
Additional References
  1. Weinberg A, Levin MJ. VZV T cell-mediated immunity. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 342:341.
  2. Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al. A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:2271.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.