Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
Shingles is a disease related to the nervous system and skin, caused by the reactivation of the varicella virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After the symptoms of chickenpox subside, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve ganglia near the spinal cord. Over time, especially when a person’s immune system weakens, the virus may be reactivated and lead to shingles, which can cause intense pain and may last for weeks or months, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life. As people age, their immune system naturally declines, making elderly individuals more susceptible to shingles. The shingles vaccine, which contains a weakened form of the virus, helps stimulate the production of specific white blood cells that protect the body from the virus and prevent the disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a live attenuated shingles vaccine for use in adults to reduce the risk of shingles, and this vaccine has been widely tested for effectiveness in the elderly.
Difference Between Chickenpox and Shingles Vaccines
Chickenpox causes symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, and a body-wide rash of clear fluid-filled blisters.
Shingles, on the other hand, may or may not cause a fever but results in a localized rash of fluid-filled blisters, often around the waist. These blisters last for about 5 days and scab over, healing within 2-3 weeks. The varicella zoster virus in some cases may cause severe complications, leading to death, particularly in children and adults with weakened immune systems, who often die from complications like bacterial infections or encephalitis (brain inflammation). Additionally, shingles patients often experience nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), which can be persistent and excruciating. There are two main types of nerve pain related to shingles:
- Pain during the active rash phase – Pain occurs before the rash appears.
- Post-rash pain – Pain persists after the rash has healed, ranging from months to years.
Shingles-related complications such as postherpetic neuralgia can affect up to 40-44% of patients, with other complications including bacterial infections, eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, and more severe conditions like encephalitis or pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
In addition to the elderly, those at higher risk for shingles who should consider getting the vaccine include:
✔ People with insufficient rest
✔ Individuals living with HIV
✔ Patients with lupus (SLE)
✔ People on immunosuppressive medication
✔ Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, as these individuals experience more severe symptoms if they contract shingles.
Who Should NOT Receive the Shingles Vaccine?
If you have any of the following conditions, inform your healthcare provider before getting the vaccine:
✔ Severe allergic reactions to any components of the vaccine, especially if you’ve had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of the shingles vaccine or any other vaccine with similar components.
✔ Pregnancy or breastfeeding – It’s recommended to delay vaccination for at least 4 weeks during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
✔ Mild illness – If you have a minor illness like a cold, you may still receive the vaccine. However, if you’re moderately or severely ill, wait until you’re better or consult your healthcare provider for advice.
✔ Allergies to gelatin or Neomycin – or other components of the vaccine.
✔ Cancer patients undergoing radiation or those with bone marrow or lymphatic cancer – Wait at least 4 weeks after treatment before getting vaccinated.
How is the Vaccine Administered?
The shingles vaccine is administered as a single injection and provides lifelong protection without the need for repeat doses.
Risk of Vaccine Allergies
As with any vaccine or medication, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. After receiving the shingles vaccine, you might experience:
✔ Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site
✔ Headache, muscle pain, chills, fatigue
Most people experience mild to moderate soreness in the arm after the injection, along with redness and swelling at the site. Some may feel tired, experience muscle aches, or develop fever, chills, stomach pain, or nausea. These side effects generally resolve within 2-3 days.
In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may occur, but this is extremely uncommon, occurring 1 in a million doses. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears, or if you have severe shoulder pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Other Potential Side Effects
Some individuals may feel faint after the vaccine. If this occurs, sitting or reclining for about 15 minutes may help prevent fainting and reduce the risk of injury from falling. Shoulder pain may also occur, but it is generally mild and resolves quickly.
Conclusion
The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent shingles and its potentially debilitating complications, especially for those at higher risk, such as the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems. Although rare, side effects may occur, but they are usually temporary and mild. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the vaccine.
