SHINGRIX: THE SHINGLES VACCINE

February 16, 2022

SHINGRIX: THE SHINGLES VACCINE

Do you know someone who has had Shingles? You might recall them talking about how painful it can be. You also may have heard that Shingles can be prevented with a vaccine, but still feel unsure about what exactly it is, or why it requires a vaccine. Here’s a quick summary from Streu’s Pharmacy Bay Natural about this viral disease and the benefits of scheduling your Shingrix vaccine.

WHAT IS SHINGLES?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash which will usually blister and scab in 7-10 days. It will typically clear within about 4 weeks. Before the rash develops, people typically experience pain, burning, itching, or tingling/numbness on the skin. They may also experience a fever, headache, sensitivity to light, or fatigue.

The rash typically develops as a single stripe along a nerve path on the chest or abdomen, but it can also appear on the arm, thigh, head – or even the ear or eye.

WHO’S AT RISK?

Shingles is most common in people 50 years of age and older. If you’ve had chickenpox, you already have the shingles virus inside you. As you age, your immune system weakens (regardless of your health, lifestyle, or diet). This increases the chance that the virus will reactivate and cause Shingles. It’s not known why the virus reactivates in some people.

WHY GET THE SHINGLES VACCINE?

• The two-dose series offers protection for the rest of your lifetime.
• It is proven safe and is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults age 50 and older.
• Shingrix can also prevent rare but serious complications such as intense lingering pain (even after the rash has cleared), vision loss, neurological problems, or skin infections.
• The CDC recommends the two-dose series to adults age 50 and older. This applies even if you received a dose of a previous herpes zoster vaccine called Zostavax.

If you are interested in scheduling a Shingrix vaccine please call our Community Pharmacy Team at 920-593-2460. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask to speak to a member of our Nursing Team as well. We’re happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Read more about other vaccines we offer.

Shingrix is a Medicare Part-D (prescription drug) benefit. We will work with you to help determine coverage and what your copay might be prior to administering the injection.