For adults over 50, maintaining optimal health is a top priority, and part of that care includes protecting oneself against preventable illnesses, like shingles. Shingles is a painful, sometimes debilitating viral infection that can be especially harsh on older adults. Thankfully, the shingles vaccine offers effective prevention, making it a vital part of healthcare for anyone over 50.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body, often for decades. Later in life, particularly in those with weakened immune systems, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. This condition is characterized by a painful rash that can appear on one side of the body or face, accompanied by itching, burning, and, in severe cases, intense nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This nerve pain can persist for months or even years after the rash subsides, significantly affecting the quality of life for many.
People over 50 are at higher risk for shingles, and the risk only increases with age. Research shows that about one in three adults will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. For adults over 80, the likelihood rises to about one in two. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions like diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases are especially vulnerable.
The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, has proven highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shingrix is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. The vaccine is recommended as a two-dose series, with doses given two to six months apart. Once vaccinated, adults can expect lasting immunity for years, significantly reducing the risk of contracting shingles.
One of the most compelling reasons to get vaccinated is to prevent PHN, a complication that can be life-altering. PHN results from nerve damage caused by the shingles virus and can lead to chronic, severe pain that is often resistant to treatment. By preventing shingles, the vaccine also dramatically lowers the risk of PHN.
Shingrix is an inactivated, non-live vaccine, meaning it is safe even for those with weakened immune systems, unlike previous shingles vaccines that used live virus strains. Common side effects are generally mild, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or mild flu-like symptoms, which usually resolve within a few days.
The shingles vaccine is widely available at pharmacies and clinics, and many insurance plans cover it for those over 50. For Medicare beneficiaries, coverage can vary, so it’s advisable to check with your plan provider. However, given the potential complications of shingles, the cost is often worth the peace of mind the vaccine provides.
For adults over 50, staying active, healthy, and independent is often a top priority, and the shingles vaccine supports that goal. By significantly reducing the risk of shingles and its associated complications, this vaccine empowers older adults to live their lives with fewer health-related interruptions. Taking just a couple of minutes to get vaccinated can mean years of better health and greater peace of mind, making it one of the simplest, most impactful steps one can take for long-term wellness.
