Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus becomes “dormant” and resides within cells of the nervous system. Reactivation of the virus causes shingles.

Risks:
A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. No serious problems have been identi?ed with shingles vaccine.
Factors:
1. Age, especially after age 50
2. Physical trauma
3. Cancer
4. Chronic lung disease
5. Chronic kidney disease
6. Immunocompromise
    a. Transplant recipients
    b. HIV infections
    c. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.
    d. Inflammatory bowel disease.

Statistics:
Shingles causes a painful, blistering skin rash. Almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. Your risk of shingles increases as you get older. If you are age 60 or older get vaccinated against shingles.