Shingles vaccine information
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The CDC recommends that all healthy adults age 50 and older, as well as adults with weakened immune systems, get the vaccine (Shingrix) whether they have had a shingles episode or not.
Frequently asked questions about shingles
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the body. Reactivation of the virus can lead to shingles.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but it is more common and can be severe for older adults and those with weakened immune systems from leukemia, HIV infection, or those on immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation. Most people only have one episode of shingles, but it can occur multiple times.
The most common symptoms of shingles, include:
Pain, burning, itching, or tingling on your skin one to five days before the rash appears
Red rash which starts as small, red spots that turn into blisters, which may later break open and crust
Fever
Headache
Chills
Upset stomach
Complications of shingles include:
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) due to damaged nerves
Vision loss
Each individual may experience symptoms differently. The symptoms of shingles may also resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Please visit your doctor if you develop a rash. By looking at the rash, your doctor can tell whether you have shingles and start you on treatment. In some cases, your doctor may scrape a sample of the blister and perform a test for the varicella zoster virus.
Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your doctor based on:
Your age, overall health and medical history
Extent of the condition
Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
While there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment with antivirals can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of developing complications. Your doctor may prescribe therapies to alleviate pain. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths can also help with itching.
It will typically clear in two to four weeks, but some people may experience a common complication known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can result in persistent pain in areas where the rash occurred, even months or years after the rash has resolved.
An individual cannot spread shingles, but they can pass on the varicella zoster virus during an active shingles episode via contact with fluid from blisters. This can cause chickenpox in people who have never had it before and who have not been vaccinated against it. A person is not contagious before the blister appears or after the blister has crusted. Those with a rash should keep the rash covered and avoid touching or scratching the rash. If you do touch the rash, wash your hands thoroughly.
The zoster vaccine Shingrix is approved for the prevention of shingles. It is is given as two separate intramuscular doses, separated by two to six months. Patients who have previously received an older zoster vaccine called Zostavax should still get Shingrix.
Avoid the vaccine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, have any severe, life-threatening allergy to the vaccine, or are moderately or severely ill (e.g., suffering from flu).
You can go to Vons/Albertson pharmacy locations to receive either dose of the vaccine — a prescription is required. We recommend that you call the pharmacy to schedule an appointment and ensure the vaccine is in stock.
For commercial Sharp Community Medical Group HMO members, there is no charge for getting the vaccines. If you are a senior member, please check with your health plan to confirm that the vaccine is covered under your prescription benefit, as copays may apply.