Shingles isn’t just a rash. For many people, it’s months of burning pain, sleepless nights, and a risk of lasting nerve damage that never fully goes away. The good news? There’s a vaccine that works - really well. And if you’re over 50, or even younger with a weakened immune system, getting it could save you from serious suffering.
What Is Shingles, and Why Does It Matter?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave your body. It hides quietly in your nerves. Years later - sometimes decades - it can wake up. When it does, it causes a painful, blistering rash, usually on one side of your body or face. This is shingles, or herpes zoster.
One in three people will get shingles in their lifetime. The risk jumps sharply after age 50. By 85, your chances rise to one in four. And it’s not just the rash that’s dangerous. About one in five people who get shingles develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a type of nerve pain that can last for months or even years. Some people describe it as feeling like their skin is on fire, even when nothing touches it. That’s why prevention matters more than treatment.
Shingrix: The Only Shingles Vaccine Available Today
There used to be two shingles vaccines. Now, there’s only one: Shingrix. The old one, Zostavax, was pulled off the market in 2020 because it wasn’t strong enough. Shingrix is different. It doesn’t use a live virus. Instead, it uses a piece of the virus - a protein called glycoprotein E - along with a special booster (adjuvant) that makes your immune system respond much stronger.
The results? Over 90% effective at preventing shingles in people 50 and older. Even for those 70 and up, it still works at 91%. That’s far better than the old vaccine, which only worked about half the time. And it’s not just about stopping the rash. Shingrix cuts the risk of postherpetic neuralgia by over 90%. That’s the biggest win.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
If you’re 50 or older, you should get Shingrix - no exceptions. You don’t need to wait until you’re 60 or 65. You don’t need to have had chickenpox. If you’ve had shingles before, you still need it. The virus can come back, and the vaccine helps prevent that.
But here’s the key point: it’s not just for healthy older adults. If you’re 19 or older and your immune system is weakened - whether from cancer treatment, HIV, organ transplant, or long-term steroid use - you should also get Shingrix. The old vaccine was dangerous for these people because it contained a live virus. Shingrix is safe. In fact, it’s the only vaccine approved for this group.
People with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease are at higher risk for complications from shingles. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology specifically recommends Shingrix for adults with diabetes. If you have any long-term health issue, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated sooner rather than later.
When and How Is It Given?
Shingrix comes in two doses. You get the first shot, then the second one 2 to 6 months later. That’s the standard schedule for most people. But if you’re immunocompromised, you can get the second dose as early as 1 month after the first - as long as it’s at least 4 weeks later. If you get it too early, you’ll need to repeat it.
Both shots go into your upper arm, like a flu shot. There’s no needle in the spine. No special prep. You can get it at your doctor’s office, a pharmacy, or a local clinic. Most pharmacists are trained to give it, and many offer walk-in appointments.
Don’t delay the second dose. About one in three people never come back for it. That means they don’t get the full protection. Set a reminder. Put it in your phone. Ask your pharmacy to call you. Missing the second shot leaves you vulnerable.
What Are the Side Effects?
Shingrix works so well because it wakes up your immune system - and that can make you feel under the weather for a day or two. About 8 out of 10 people feel pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Nearly half feel muscle aches. About 4 in 10 feel tired. Headaches and fever are common too.
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and go away in 2 to 3 days. They’re not the same as getting shingles. You won’t develop a rash. You won’t get sick with the virus. You’re just feeling the effects of your body building strong defenses.
Some people avoid the vaccine because they’re scared of these reactions. But the data shows: 78% of people who got it say it was worth it. One man, 67, wrote on Drugs.com: “I had a rough 48 hours after the second shot, but I’ve had zero shingles symptoms since. No pain, no rash. Totally worth it.”
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Shingrix costs about $220 per dose in the U.S. That’s $440 total. But most people pay little or nothing out of pocket.
Medicare Part D covers Shingrix. You might still pay a copay - around $185 per dose on average - but many plans have reduced or eliminated it. Private insurance usually covers it too. If you’re uninsured, some pharmacies offer discounts or payment plans. Community health centers often give it at low cost.
Medicare Part B does not cover Shingrix. That’s a common mistake. It’s covered under Part D, which is your prescription drug plan. Make sure you’re talking to the right part of your insurance.
What If I Already Had Shingles?
You still need the vaccine. Having shingles once doesn’t protect you from getting it again. In fact, people who’ve had it are at higher risk for a second episode. The CDC recommends waiting at least one year after your shingles outbreak before getting vaccinated. But don’t wait longer than that. Get it as soon as you’re cleared by your doctor.
What About Future Vaccines?
GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Shingrix, is testing a single-dose version in clinical trials. If it works, it could make vaccination much easier. But it’s still years away. Right now, the two-dose Shingrix is the gold standard. Don’t wait for something better. The vaccine you can get today is the best one available.
What If I’m Not Sure?
If you’re unsure whether you should get it, ask yourself: Do I want to avoid months of nerve pain? Do I want to skip the ER visits, the painkillers, the sleepless nights? If the answer is yes, then Shingrix is the right choice.
It’s not a perfect vaccine. It has side effects. It requires two visits. But it’s the most effective tool we have to stop shingles before it starts. And with over 90% effectiveness, it’s one of the most powerful vaccines in adult medicine.
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to act. The virus is already in your body. The vaccine is your shield. Get both doses. Protect yourself. Protect your future.
Can I get the shingles vaccine if I’m under 50?
Yes - but only if you’re 19 or older and have a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment. For healthy adults under 50, the vaccine isn’t routinely recommended because the risk of shingles is low. But if you’ve had shingles before or have a chronic condition like diabetes, talk to your doctor. They may still recommend it.
Is Shingrix safe for people with autoimmune diseases?
Yes. Unlike the old Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix doesn’t contain a live virus, so it’s safe for people with autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis - even if they’re taking immunosuppressants. The CDC and major medical societies strongly recommend it for this group.
Can I get Shingrix at the same time as my flu shot or COVID booster?
Yes. Shingrix can be given at the same visit as other vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 shots. There’s no need to space them out. Just make sure they’re injected in different arms to make it easier to track any side effects.
How long does Shingrix protection last?
Studies show protection stays above 85% for at least 7 years after the second dose, even in people over 70. There’s no current recommendation for a booster, but research is ongoing. The CDC says you don’t need a third dose unless new evidence emerges.
What if I only got one dose of Shingrix?
One dose offers some protection - about 70% against shingles - but it’s not enough. The full two-dose series is needed to reach over 90% effectiveness. If you missed your second dose, get it as soon as you can. Even if it’s been more than 6 months, you don’t need to start over. Just get the second shot now.
Can I get Shingrix if I’m allergic to eggs?
Yes. Shingrix does not contain egg proteins. It’s safe for people with egg allergies. The only contraindications are a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or a previous dose of Shingrix.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you’re 50 or older, call your doctor or local pharmacy today. Ask if they have Shingrix in stock. If you’re under 50 but have a weakened immune system, ask your specialist about getting vaccinated.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t wait for Medicare to kick in. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you it’s time. The virus is already in your body. The vaccine is your best defense. Get both doses. Protect your health. Live pain-free.