Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later to cause shingles.
The best way to prevent shingles and its most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is through vaccination. This article will also discuss what Age is Shingles Vaccine Free and related queries you want to clarify. This article is a one-place solution of everything. Let’s start:
Shingles Vaccine: Shingrix
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise individuals aged 50 and above to get the Shingrix vaccine for shingles prevention. It has demonstrated over 90% efficacy in safeguarding those with robust immune systems against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
Its effectiveness ranges from 68% to 91% for those with compromised immunity, varying with the underlying health issue.
What Age is Shingles Vaccine Free?
The age at which the shingles vaccine is free varies by country. In some countries, it is free for people aged 65 and over. However, if you turn 65 before a certain date, you’ll have to wait until you turn 70 to be eligible for the free vaccine.
In addition to this, First Nations people aged 50 years and over are also eligible for a free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
What are the common side effects of Shingrix?
The common side effects of Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, can range from mild to serious. Here are some of the most commonly reported side effects:
At the injection site:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
In the rest of the body:
- Fatigue (low energy)
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Shivering
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away on their own in a few days. If you have ongoing symptoms or bother you, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Shingrix safe for people with allergies?
Yes, Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, is generally safe for people with allergies. However, it should not be administered to a person with a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to any component of this vaccine.
It is important to note that Shingrix does not contain egg proteins, so it is safe for individuals with egg allergies.
As with any vaccine, if you have a history of severe allergies, discussing this with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated is always a good idea. They can provide the most accurate information based on your specific health situation.
How effective is Shingrix in preventing shingles?
For individuals with healthy immune systems aged 50 and older, the Shingrix vaccine has demonstrated over 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles. This robust immunity continues for at least seven years after vaccination.
In adults with weakened immune systems, Shingrix effectively prevents shingles, ranging from 68% to 91%, depending on the underlying condition. Notably, it is 97% effective for people aged 50-69 and 91% effective for those aged 70 and older.
Conclusion
Shingles can be painful and debilitating, but the Shingrix vaccine can prevent them. It is recommended that you get vaccinated if you are 50 years or older or have a weakened immune system. Consult with your healthcare provider to find out if you are eligible for a free shingles vaccine.
Questions
What is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is a shot that can help prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 and those with weakened immune systems.
What Age is Shingles Vaccine Free?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the shingles vaccine for immunocompetent adults 50 years and older and for adults 19 years and older who are or will be immunocompromised.
How many doses of the shingles vaccine are needed?
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is given in a two-dose series. The second dose should be administered 2 to 6 months after the first.
Can I get the shingles vaccine if I have already had shingles?
To receive the shingles vaccine is possible even for those who have previously experienced the condition. It serves as a preventative measure against subsequent episodes. While there’s no set waiting period post-recovery from shingles to get vaccinated, it’s typically advised once the rash has fully healed.
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