How Often Do You Need to Get the Shingles Vaccine?

You may have heard of shingles (herpes zoster), which is an infection that causes a painful skin rash. But what you may not know is that the disease isn't just painful — it can also lead to long-term complications, like nerve damage. Given these complications, it's important to protect yourself and get the shingles vaccine.

But, how do you get shingles? Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox, remains dormant in the body after you recover from chickenpox. Years or even decades later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles.

The shingles vaccine is an effective way to prevent shingles and its complications, but many people have questions about how frequently they should get vaccinated. How often do you need to get the shingles vaccine? How long does it last?

What Is the Shingles Vaccine?

The brand name of the recommended shingles vaccine is Shingrix.

Shingrix is highly effective, offering strong protection against shingles and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, in older adults. One of the most common complications of shingles, postherpetic neuralgia causes a burning pain in nerves and skin that lasts longer than the rash and blisters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 years and older with healthy immune systems. Even in adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68% to 91% effective in preventing shingles.

Shingles Vaccine Schedule: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Should Get Shingrix?

Shingrix is widely recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, even if they received the older shingles vaccine, Zostavax, in the past.*

Shingrix may not be right for those receiving or planning to receive treatment for cancer or an organ transplant. In such situations, check with a pharmacist or primary care provider to discuss options.

Immunocompromised individuals should also consult their healthcare providers regarding vaccination options and timing, as well as a discussion about the potential risks and benefits.

2. Should Someone Get Shingrix If They've Had Shingles Before?

Yes, individuals with a history of shingles infection can still benefit from vaccination to prevent future repeat occurrences. While there's no specific length of time you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, it's generally recommended that you wait until the shingles rash has completely gone away before getting vaccinated.

You can get Shingrix even if you don't remember having chickenpox in the past. According to the CDC, more than 99% of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox. Even if you have received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine in the past, you should still receive the Shingrix vaccine if eligible.

3. How Long Does the Shingles Vaccine Last?

The Shingrix vaccine provides long-lasting protection for most adults, reducing the risk of shingles for at least seven years after vaccination.

4. How Often Do You Need To Get the Shingles Vaccine?

According to current guidelines, you do not need routine booster doses of Shingrix after completing the initial two-dose series. Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose typically given two to six months after the first dose.

As previously noted, how often you need to get the shingles vaccine may differ for immunocompromised individuals. According to recommendations from the CDC, certain adults ages 19 years and older with weakened immune systems due to disease or treatments may benefit from a second series of Shingrix. The second round may be administered one to two months after the first series is completed.

Stay Informed To Protect Yourself From Shingles

The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles and its complications in adults ages 50 and older. Although routine booster doses are not currently recommended for all adults, guidelines and recommendations for shingles vaccination may change as researchers learn more about the vaccine's duration of protection. To stay updated, individuals should communicate with their healthcare team to receive the most suitable and timely vaccination for shingles prevention.

Work with your primary care provider or Rite Aid pharmacist to discuss what additional vaccines are right for you. Even if you have a busy schedule, it's important to take the time to prioritize your health. Some vaccines can be safely given at the same time for convenience. Schedule online or stop by your local Rite Aid today.

**State, age & health restrictions may apply. Ask your pharmacist for details.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.