New Shingles Vaccine: Should You Get It Or Not?

Approved in 2017, the shingles vaccine is in great demand compared to others. The Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for adults aged 50 and above for the prevention of the painful, blistering illness. Doctors have been learning about how effective and safe this vaccine is. Read below to find out everything about the new shingles vaccine.

How effective is it?

Dr. Wilbur Chen MD, Associate Professor of medicine at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine opines that Shingrix is just remarkable and that it has performed better than expected. Studies have reported that Shingrix was about 97% effective at preventing shingles in individuals aged 50 and above. It also has long-lasting effects and the protection remains above 85% for about 4 years after the vaccination.

How safe is it?

The main side effect of Shingrix is soreness in the arm where you get vaccinated. Other adverse effects are so mild and typically last only for a couple of days such as redness, nausea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, swelling, and stomach pain. Experts opine that there have been no serious events linked to the vaccine that is specifically attributable to it. The CDC is currently working on a safety review.

Should you get the vaccine?

The new shingles vaccine is completely safe for healthy adults who are 50 years old and above, which is a huge segment of the adult population. Individuals who shouldn’t get it are pregnant women, those who are allergic to Shingrix or any of its ingredients. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) hasn’t yet confirmed if it is safe for individuals with a weakened immune system.

Can You Get Shingrix now?

You might have to wait for a while to get the shot. Due to the higher-than-expected demand for the vaccine, there is a shortage. GlaxoSmithKline has ramped up its production and plans to significantly increase the number of shots this year.

Should you get it if you have already got it in the past?

Yes, you might have already got Zostavax in the past but, you still need two doses of Shingrix.