Shingles (aka: herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash that develops on one side of the face of body. Shingles vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that can follow. The risk of contracting the disease increases as we age. The chickenpox virus is the same as the shingles virus.
The Shingles vaccine is approved by the FDA for people 50 through 59 years old. Anyone 60 years or older should get the shingles vaccine to prevent the disease, regardless of whether they recall having the chickenpox. This is a one-time vaccination. There is no maximum age for getting the shingles vaccine. Even if you have had shingles, you can still receive the shingles vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease. The decision on when to get vaccinated should be made with your health care provider.
