Shingles can result in serious complications, including postherpetic neuralgia, vision loss, and skin infections. The only way to prevent it is through a vaccination. Doctors recommend for healthy adults 50 years and older to receive two doses of the vaccine Shingrix® separated by two to six months. Shingrix is administered as a shot in the upper arm.

A Guide to the Shingles Vaccination

1. How Effective Is Shingrix?

The good news is that the Shingrix vaccination provides strong protection against shingles. In adults between the ages of 50 and 69 who received two doses, the vaccine was 97% effective in preventing the virus. For adults 70 and older, it was 91% effective. 

2. Who Shouldn’t Get Shingrix?

Although Shingrix is considered safe for the majority of people, it’s not recommended for individuals who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past, those who already have shingles, people who tested negatively for immunity to varicella-zoster virus and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

3. What Are the Side Effects of Shingrix?

Shingrix is a safe vaccine, but you may likely experience some temporary side effects afterward. One of the most common reactions people experience after getting the vaccine is a sore arm with mild or moderate pain at the injection site. Other side effects include a headache, muscle pain, fever, fatigue, and nausea.

While allergic reactions to Shingrix are rare, they do still happen. Individuals who have an allergic reaction may experience hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the face and throat. If you have a severe reaction to the vaccine, you should go to the hospital immediately.

If you would like to learn more information about the Shingrix vaccination, talk to the professionals at HealthSmart Vaccines in Chantilly, VA. They offer a full range of vaccines, including the flu shot and booster shots, to help keep everyone in the community healthy. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 961-0733 or visit their website.