Should I get another shingles vaccine after 5 years?

Asked by: Tiffany Brown  |  Last update: August 20, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (15 votes)

Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68%-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.

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 is the old shingles vaccine effective?

Previous studies had shown the shingles vaccine was effective for seven years after the first dose was administered.

Expert Insights: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

22 related questions found

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

You should get Shingrix even if in the past you: Had shingles. Received Zostavax*

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.

Should Shingrix vaccine be repeated?

The CDC recommends that adults ages 50 and older get a second dose of Shingrix two to six months after their first dose. If you've waited longer than six months since your first dose of Shingrix, it's safe to get a second dose right away. Most people don't need to repeat the first dose.

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 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.

Will shingles vaccine prevent a recurrence?

A shingles vaccine can reduce the chances of a recurrence. There's some disagreement about how often recurrence occurs. In one study, researchers examined medical records of nearly 1,700 patients who had a documented case of shingles between 1996 and 2001.

How did I get shingles if I never had chickenpox?

People cannot get shingles without having recovered from chickenpox. The reactivation of VZV in a person's body causes shingles. There is also a low risk of a person developing shingles after having direct contact with a shingles rash. The chickenpox virus is more likely to spread VZV to others than shingles.

How often should you get pneumonia vaccine?

CDC recommends you:

Give 2 doses of PPSV23 after the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine series is complete. Give the first dose at least 8 weeks after any prior pneumococcal conjugate vaccine dose, then give the second dose of PPSV23 at least 5 years after the first PPSV23 dose.

Why is there a lawsuit against Shingrix?

These herpes lawsuits allege that the shingles vaccine was unsafe for patients. The key injury, incredibly, is that the Zostavax shingles vaccine causes shingles and zoster-related injuries. So the very thing meant to protect them against shingles caused shingles.

Which vaccine is better Shingrix or Zostavax?

Official answer. The main difference is that Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster virus) than Zostavax (overall: 97.2% vs. 51%, respectively). Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine to help prevent the occurrence of herpes zoster (shingles).

Should I get Zostavax vs Shingrix?

Due to its greater effectiveness, the CDC recommends Shingrix over Zostavax. But if Shingrix is not available in your area or you're allergic to the Shingrix medicine, then Zostavax may be a viable option. For those in the US, Zostavax is no longer available.

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 are the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine in 2023?

If the new shingles vaccine made you feel worse than you expected, you're not alone. Skin rash, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, headaches and fatigue are some complaints from patients who've had the recently approved Shingrix vaccine.

What can be mistaken for shingles?

The symptoms of shingles can sometimes resemble those of other conditions, such as : cellulitis. chickenpox. herpes simplex.

Does the Shingrix vaccine wear off?

The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix.

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.

Is Shingrix free for over 70?

SHINGRIX IS NOW $0 FOR ALMOST EVERYONE*

Patients typically pay no out-of-pocket costs per dose. All Medicare Part D patients pay an out-of-pocket cost of $0 per dose.