Immunization · Shingles
Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating years later. It can lead to long-lasting nerve pain that’s hard to treat.
The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing it, and it’s recommended from age 50.
The Basics
If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate later as shingles, a burning, blistering rash usually on one side of the body. Its most feared complication is postherpetic neuralgia, nerve pain that can persist for months or years. Vaccination prevents the great majority of cases.
Who & When
- All adults 50 and older — two doses of Shingrix.
- Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems — also recommended.
- Recommended even if you’ve had shingles before, or had the older Zostavax vaccine.
The bottom line: two doses of Shingrix starting at age 50.
The Schedule
Shingrix is given as two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. Both doses are needed for full, lasting protection.
What to Expect
Shingrix works by revving up your immune system, so it’s common to have a sore arm and a day or two of fatigue, muscle aches, or a mild fever, especially after the second dose. That reaction is a normal sign it’s working, and it passes quickly. Serious side effects are rare.
Useful Links
Talk it through with Dr. Mui
Turned 50, or had shingles before and want to prevent it again? Book a visit to get started.
Prefer to ask first? Text Dr. Mui at 617-675-4085.
This page is for general education and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Screening guidelines change over time and the right plan depends on your personal risk. Always talk with a qualified health provider about your specific situation.