What Should Seniors Know About Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingles is a painful condition caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus that remains dormant in the body after childhood infection. Seniors face significantly higher risk for shingles and its complications. Understanding this condition and the available vaccine helps older adults protect themselves from this potentially debilitating illness.
Understanding Shingles
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, occurs when the varicella-zoster virus that caused childhood chickenpox reactivates later in life. The virus remains dormant in nerve tissue for decades before reactivating, typically when immune function declines with age or illness.
Anyone who had chickenpox can develop shingles, and about one-third of Americans will experience it during their lifetime. Risk increases substantially after age 50, with the highest rates occurring in those over 70. Weakened immune systems from disease or medications further increase risk.
Symptoms and Complications
Shingles typically begins with pain, burning, or tingling in a localized area, often on one side of the torso or face. Within days, a blistering rash develops in the affected area. The rash follows nerve pathways, creating a band or strip pattern. Pain can be severe, described as burning, stabbing, or throbbing.
The rash usually heals within two to four weeks, but complications can persist long after. Postherpetic neuralgia, chronic pain in the affected area lasting months or years after the rash heals, affects up to 40 percent of seniors with shingles. This pain can be severe and debilitating, interfering with sleep, mood, and daily activities.
Other complications include vision problems or blindness when shingles affects the eye, hearing loss or facial paralysis from facial nerve involvement, bacterial skin infections in the rash area, and rarely, brain inflammation or stroke.
The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine Shingrix is highly effective at preventing shingles and its complications. Studies show over 90 percent effectiveness in adults over 50, with protection remaining strong for at least seven years. The vaccine significantly reduces risk of postherpetic neuralgia even in breakthrough cases.
Shingrix is given as two doses, with the second dose two to six months after the first. Both doses are necessary for full protection. The vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older, regardless of whether they remember having chickenpox or have had shingles before.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Shingrix for all adults 50 and older. This includes people who have had shingles previously, as recurrence is possible. Those who received the older shingles vaccine Zostavax should still get Shingrix for better protection.
People with mildly weakened immune systems may receive Shingrix after consulting their healthcare provider. Those with severely compromised immunity may need to delay vaccination. Pregnant women should wait until after pregnancy.
Side Effects and Considerations
Common side effects include arm soreness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and mild fever. These reactions typically resolve within two to three days. Side effects indicate the immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Side effects tend to be more pronounced after the second dose. Some seniors experience temporary interference with daily activities. Despite side effects, vaccination is far preferable to risking shingles and its potentially long-lasting complications.
Coverage and Access
Medicare Part D and most private insurance plans cover Shingrix, though copayments vary. The vaccine is available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and health clinics. Check with your insurance about coverage and costs before vaccination.
Protecting Yourself
All Seniors Foundation encourages seniors to discuss shingles vaccination with their healthcare providers. Prevention through vaccination is far better than treating shingles and its complications. Contact us if you need assistance accessing preventive care services including vaccinations.
