DEAR DOCTOR K: You've written about who should get the shingles vaccine, and why. Are there any groups of people who should not get the shingles vaccine?
DEAR READER: I'm glad you asked because, yes, there are groups of people who should not get the vaccine.
Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters, that lasts from two to four weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. For some people, the severe pain of shingles continues long after the rash clears up. Called post-herpetic neuralgia, this condition can last for months, or even years. It can be quite debilitating.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. VZV quietly remains in your body after you recover from chickenpox, but it can reactivate and cause shingles many years later.
Most adults age 60 years and older should get a vaccine called Zostavax. The vaccine helps prevent shingles -- and it decreases the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia if shingles does occur. The vaccine is also approved for people 50 and over. People generally should get the shingles vaccine even if they have already had shingles: The vaccine will reduce the risk of getting shingles again. Click here to continue reading.
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