We are delighted to be able the offer Shingles vaccines (Shingrix) here to our patients.
The Shingrix vaccine protects against Shingles and is >90% effective. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
Who should get the Shingles vaccine?
The CDC recommends this vaccine for ALL Adults 50 years and older.
How is the Shingles vaccines given?
The vaccine is given as two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. Adults 19 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems should also get two doses of Shingrix.
Who Should Not Get Shingrix?
You should not get Shingrix if you:
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
- Currently have shingles.
- Currently are pregnant. Women who are pregnant should wait to get Shingrix.
If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you may get Shingrix. But if you have a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever, you should usually wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Shingrix?
Studies show that Shingrix is safe.
The vaccine helps your body create a strong defence against shingles. As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. The side effects might affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.
Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea.
For more information, please visit the CDC’s Shingles FAQ page
The shingles vaccine is administered by our nurse.
