Shingles Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
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AMBULATORY CARE:

The shingles vaccine

is an injection to protect you from the varicella-zoster virus. This virus causes chickenpox. The virus stays in your body after you have chickenpox, without causing any symptoms. Shingles occurs when the virus becomes active again. The active virus travels along a nerve to your skin and causes a rash. The rash can be dangerous if it is near one of your eyes. The vaccine is given in 2 doses. The second dose is usually given 2 to 6 months after the first. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to come back for the second dose.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling in your throat, or hives.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have a high fever or any symptoms that concern you.

Call your doctor if:

• You have questions or concerns about the shingles vaccine.

Who should get the shingles vaccine:

The vaccine is routinely given to adults 50 years or older. The vaccine may be given to adults 19 years or older who have a weakened immune system. You can get the shingles vaccine even if you do not know if you had chickenpox. You can also get the vaccine if you have already had shingles. The current vaccine does not contain any live virus. A live shingles vaccine is no longer used in the United States but may be used in other countries. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about the live vaccine, if needed.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

What to tell your healthcare provider before you get the vaccine:

• You have any severe allergy.
• You have a weak immune system, such as from HIV, cancer, or cancer treatment.
• You are breastfeeding. Your provider will tell you if it is okay to get a shingles vaccine while you are breastfeeding.

Reasons you should not get the shingles vaccine:

• You know you have a severe allergy to any part of the shingles vaccines.
• You had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine.

Reasons you should wait to get the shingles vaccine:

• You currently have shingles.
• You are sick or have a fever on the vaccine appointment day.
• You know or think you are pregnant.

Risks of the shingles vaccine:

You may develop a rash that looks like chickenpox near the injection site. The site may be red, sore, swollen, or itch. You may get shingles even after you receive the vaccine. You may have an allergic reaction to one or both doses of the vaccine. Rarely, this can be life-threatening.

Apply a warm compress

to the area to relieve swelling and pain. If you develop a chickenpox-like rash near the injection site, cover the rash until it goes away.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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