Protecting Adults Against Shingles: Who Should Consider SHINGRIX?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering rash that can occur in adults who have previously had chickenpox. The risk of developing shingles is surprisingly high—1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime.
The SHINGRIX vaccine is indicated for:
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- Adults 18 years and older who are at increased risk due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by disease or therapy
SHINGRIX is not a treatment for shingles or its complications (such as nerve pain), but it is a powerful tool in prevention.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
A large pooled study found that shingles risk increases with certain health conditions:
- Older age → 65% increased risk (RR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37–1.97)
- Diabetes → 24% increased risk (RR: 1.24)
- COPD → 41% increased risk (RR: 1.41)
- Chronic kidney disease → 29% increased risk (RR: 1.29)
- Asthma → 24% increased risk (RR: 1.24)
Other contributing factors include: family history, female sex, depression, physical trauma, psychological stress, and cardiovascular disease.
Why Prevention Matters
Shingles can lead to severe and long-lasting complications such as:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain after the rash heals)
- Eye involvement, leading to vision loss
- Reduced quality of life from pain and fatigue
Because risk accumulates with age and health conditions, prevention is key.
Important Safety Considerations
Before receiving SHINGRIX, patients should know:
- It is not for the prevention of chickenpox (varicella)
- It should be postponed if you have a severe fever
- It may cause temporary side effects such as fever, fatigue, or muscle aches
- Caution is needed in people with clotting disorders
- A rare increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome has been observed in adults over 65 within 42 days of vaccination (about 3 extra cases per million doses)
Your OFHC healthcare team will review your personal health history to determine whether SHINGRIX is right for you.
Talk to Us About Shingles Prevention
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we take a Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected approach to prevention. If you’re 50 or older—or living with conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, or kidney disease—ask your OFHC healthcare provider about shingles vaccination.
Book your appointment today to protect your future health.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
