Have You Gotten Your Shingles Shot Yet?

If you're over 50, there's a vaccine that can help protect you from a painful and potentially debilitating disease: shingles. Caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), shingles affects 1 in 3 adults in their lifetime. The good news? There's a simple, effective way to reduce your risk—getting the shingles vaccine.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, typically on one side of the body. It can also lead to long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a condition that causes nerve pain lasting months or even years after the rash heals. For some, shingles can also lead to vision loss, neurological problems, or bacterial skin infections.

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults age 50 and older get the Shingrix vaccine, even if they've had shingles before or received the older Zostavax vaccine in the past. People with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy or living with chronic illnesses, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, as they are at higher risk of complications.

Top Health Benefits of the Shingles Vaccine

1. Reduces Risk of Shingles: The Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles, even in older adults.

2. Protects Your Quality of Life: Shingles can interfere with your daily activities, work, and sleep due to intense pain. Vaccination helps maintain your independence and well-being.

3. Strengthens Community Health: When more people are protected, it reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system and prevents avoidable suffering.

Common Questions About the Vaccine

• Is it safe? Yes. Shingrix has undergone rigorous testing and is approved by the FDA. Like all vaccines, it may cause mild side effects like soreness or fatigue, but serious side effects are rare.

• Is it covered by insurance? Most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare Part D, cover the shingles vaccine.

  
  

Take Action Today!

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that offers powerful protection!