Shingles Vaccine

Herpes Zoster, commonly called Shingles, is an infection that mainly affects adults who are over 60 years of age. Shingles is a painful rash that is triggered by the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. The chickenpox virus can remain in the body even after recovery from chickenpox. The virus can become reactivated if the immune system is weakened by another health problem.

The Shingles vaccine helps to reduce the risk of getting shingles in the future and will not treat an active case of shingles. The vaccine is recommended for adults who are over 60 years of age. The shingles vaccine lasts about five years and is most effective for adults who are 60 to 69 years of age but also provides protection for people who are older.