Know your risk of getting shingles and complications
About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop
shingles during their lifetime. If you've had chickenpox, you
are at risk for shingles. More than 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember it.
Your risk of getting shingles and having serious complications increases as you get older.
About 1 in 10 people who get shingles develop nerve pain that lasts for months or years after the rash goes away. This is called postherpetic neuralgia and is the most common complication of shingles.
Shingles may lead to other serious complications involving the eye, including blindness. Very rarely, it can also lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, brain in ammation (encephalitis) or death.
Get the new shingles vaccine if you are 50 or older
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Shingrix is more
than 90% effective at preventing shingles and long-term nerve pain.
Know the benefits and the side effects:
Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and long-term nerve pain. You may experience some short-term side effects because Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system.
After getting Shingrix, most people have a sore arm. Many people have redness and swelling where they got the shot. Many feel tired, have muscle pain, a headache, shivering, favor, stomach pain, or nausea. About 1 in 6 people who are vaccinated experience side effects that prevent them from doing regular activities. The good news is that side effects usually go away after two to three days. Remember that the pain from shingles can last a lifetime and these side effects with Shingrix only last a few days.
Important reminders:?
You may choose to take an over-the- counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix to ease discomfort from side effects.
If you get side effects after the first dose of Shingrix, you should still get the second dose to get the full protection from the vaccine.
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