Shingles
Dr. Frank Okosun Jr. completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Meharry Medical College Nashville Tennessee where he was also the Vice President of the House Staff Association. During his Internship, he was selected by the program faculty as the Intern of the year. Dr. Okosun is board-certified by the American... more
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles can be painful and lead to serious complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is why vaccination is recommended.
Vaccine Overview:
The Shingrix vaccine is currently the preferred vaccine for the prevention of shingles. It is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is given in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.
Who Should Get Vaccinated:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix. Even if you've had shingles or received Zostavax (a shingles vaccine available before Shingrix), you should still get Shingrix.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of the Shingrix vaccine include pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, fever, and upset stomach. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own in a few days.
Preventive Measures:
The Shingrix vaccine is the most effective way to prevent shingles. However, maintaining a healthy immune system by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can also help prevent shingles.
Please note that while the Shingrix vaccine is highly effective, it is not 100% foolproof. Therefore, if you develop a painful rash or other symptoms of shingles, please seek medical attention promptly.
