Shingles Vaccine

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults over age 50, or adults who have weakened immune systems. Even if you have already had shingles, the disease can still come back. Those who have had shingles can still receive the shingles vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

Why get the shingles vaccine?

Shingles, caused by herpes zoster virus—the same virus that causes the chickenpox, is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the face or body and can be severe. The chance of getting shingles increases with age, and the older you are, the greater your risk for developing long-lasting pain or serious complications. The best way to protect against shingles is by getting vaccinated.

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    About 1 in 3 in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime.
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    People who’ve had chickenpox are at risk for shingles. More than 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox.
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    The risk of getting shingles and having serious complications grows as you age.
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    About 1 in 10 people who get shingles develop long lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia after the rash subsides. This is the most common complication of shingles.
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    Shingles may lead to other serious complications involving the eye, including blindness. Very rarely, it can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, encephalitis, or death.

Talk to a Doctor About Staying Up to Date on Your Immunizations

Quincy Medical Group wants you to be healthy and happy. Our team of providers is here to make sure you get the care that works best for you and your family.

This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $445,761 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

*Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Learn more about shingles and the shingles vaccine at cdc.gov/shingles.