How long is the shingles vaccine good for?

Asked by: Joshua Abshire I  |  Last update: January 4, 2024
Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Shringrix offers strong protection against shingles for at least 7 years after a person …

How often do you need to repeat the shingles vaccine?

* Healthcare providers and eligible patients should make every effort to ensure that two doses of Shingrix are administered within the recommended interval of 2 to 6 months. If more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose, administer the second dose as soon as possible. Do not restart the vaccine series.

Do I need another shingles vaccine after 5 years?

Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.

Do you have to get the Shingrix vaccine every 5 years?

Shingrix is more than 90% effective in those 50 years old or older. In addition, the immunity remains strong for seven years after receiving the immunization.

How long can you keep Shingrix vaccine?

After reconstitution, administer SHINGRIX immediately or store refrigerated between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F) and use within 6 hours. Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 6 hours.

Expert Insights: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

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Does the Shingrix vaccine wear off?

Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination.

Should I get the new shingles vaccine if I had the old one?

If you got a shingles vaccine in the past, still get Shingrix. You may have already got a different shingles vaccine called Zostavax, which is no longer in use in the United States. If you did, you still need 2 doses of Shingrix.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

Does Shingrix have long term side effects?

Shingrix isn't known to cause long-term side effects to occur. Side effects of Shingrix that were reported in clinical trials were short term. In fact, most side effects from this vaccine only lasted between 2 and 3 days before easing.

Should an 80 year old get the shingles vaccine?

Healthy adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, which is given in two doses.

What is the difference between the old and new shingles vaccine?

Unlike the other vaccine that's been available for shingles since 2006, called Zostavax, this new vaccine is inactivated. That means it does not contain a live virus. Because of that, it is safe in people who have weakened immune systems.

Can I get shingles vaccine and COVID booster at same time?

Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations like a flu or shingles vaccine at the same time or close together, according to the CDC.

What is the best age to get the shingles shot?

Shingrix
  • Shingrix® is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older. ...
  • You should wait at least 1 year before getting Shingrix® if you have had shingles disease or received Zostavax® II.
  • You should not get the vaccine if you currently have shingles disease.

Why was Zostavax discontinued?

One side effect of Zostavax that cannot be ignored is the potential to cause death, which is why it was ultimately discontinued. Other side effects it can cause are blindness, chickenpox, nerve damage, and paralysis.

Does stress give you shingles?

Stress can increase your risk of developing shingles,” says Dr. Thaker. “A severe amount of stress can weaken the immune system, which can allow the virus to reactivate.”

How to avoid shingles?

What is the best way to prevent shingles? Your best chance at preventing shingles is to get vaccinated. There is one vaccine, Shingrix, which is very effective in preventing shingles and complications, including postherpetic neuralgia.

What age is shingles vaccine covered by insurance?

Coverage varies state by state. Medicaid covers SHINGRIX for patients 50 years and older in two-thirds of states (those that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act). WHERE SHOULD I GET SHINGRIX?

Why is the shingles vaccine so expensive for seniors?

If you're covered by Medicare, you may feel the pain of a shingles shot more in your wallet than in your arm. That's because the federal program that insures most seniors in the U.S. provides poor coverage for some recommended vaccines, including shingles, and could leave some people paying $200 or more for protection.

Is the shingles vaccine given once in a lifetime?

Previous studies had shown the shingles vaccine offered protection for up to seven years. Since the vaccine's efficacy is long-lasting, experts say it's unlikely people will ever need a shingles booster shot.

How many times can you get shingles?

Once a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Most people who develop shingles only have it one time during their life. However, you can have shingles more than once.