Can You Get Shingles After Being Vaccinated?

The US FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent shingles:

1. Zostavax: It is a live vaccine, which contains a weakened form of the virus. It is 51 percent effective in preventing shingles. It is no longer available for use in the United States though.
2. Shingrix: It is the newer vaccine and the one recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a recombinant vaccine, created by altering and purifying deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that codes for a shingles virus antigen. This antigen produces an immune response to fight the virus. Shingrix is 90 percent effective in preventing shingles and longer lasting than Zostavax. The vaccine is given in two doses six months apart.

The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for the following:

• Healthy individuals older than 50 years of age but there is no minimum age
• Uncertain about the history of having chickenpox
• History of having shingles
• History of taking Zostavax vaccine (Those who have taken Zostavax recently should wait at least eight weeks before getting Shingrix.)

Shingrix vaccine should be avoided in the following cases:

• History of allergic reaction to the first dose of the shingles vaccine
• History of allergy to any of the ingredients of the vaccine
• Current, ongoing shingles infection
• Other current, ongoing infections that are causing fever
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• A negative test result for the varicella zoster virus (In this case, the chickenpox vaccine is given instead.)

Zostavax vaccine should be avoided in the following cases:

• History of allergy to gelatin, neomycin (an antibiotic), ingredients in the vaccine
• Weakened immune system due to any condition that compromises the immune system, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), autoimmune disease, a long-term steroid medication, cancer, cancer treatment, tuberculosis, organ transplant.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant soon.

Like most vaccines, it is normal to experience minor side effects from the Shingles vaccine. They may last for two to three days after getting the vaccine. Common side effects include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Fever
• Body pain
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

Taking an over the counter pain medication can help the symptoms.

Rare serious side effects due to allergy

Allergic reaction to shingles vaccine is called anaphylaxis. This can be fatal and requires emergency medical attention. However, it is extremely rare. Signs and symptoms include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, throat and eyes
• Rashes
• Warmth or redness of the skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Giddiness
• Rapid heart rate and pulse rate
• Irregular heartbeat