Skip to Content

Primary Care

The Shingles Vaccine

Oct. 7 2019

Shingles is a virus that causes a painful rash with blisters on the body.

Doctors recommend a shingles vaccine for people once they turn 50. But some patients report feeling sick for a day or two after receiving the shot.

In this WIS Health U report, Dr. Francisco Albert of Lexington Medical Center and a shingles patient explain why short-term discomfort from the vaccine is far better than suffering through the shingles virus.

 

According to Dr. Albert, 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles. He says nearly everyone who receives a shingles vaccine will have pain at the injection site. And, about half of the recipients will have flu-like symptoms for a day or two - including aches, pains, chills, nausea and headaches. Those symptoms go away after 24 to 72 hours.

While those side effects sound rough, Dr. Albert says getting the shingles virus is far worse. Patients develop a painful rash with blisters that has been described as feeling like sharp little needles or a stinging pain from touching an open sore.

Sometimes, shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain, too. And, active shingles is contagious.

Even if you've had shingles, you should still get the vaccine - because patients can get it more than once.

Illustration of a hand holding an envelope with the Lexington Medical Center logo

Get our email newsletter updates.

Subscribe

Newsletter Updates

Get our email newsletter updates.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general understanding and education about Lexington Medical Center. Nothing on the blog should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Blog visitors with personal health or medical questions should consult their health care provider.