Shingles Vaccination Schedule: When to Get Shot and Who Needs It

When you hear shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Also known as herpes zoster, it can strike anyone who’s had chickenpox—even decades later. The good news? You can prevent it with a vaccine. But not all vaccines are the same, and the shingles vaccination schedule matters just as much as getting the shot at all.

The two main options are Shingrix, a two-dose recombinant vaccine recommended by the CDC for most adults over 50 and the older Zostavax, a single-dose live vaccine that’s no longer sold in the U.S. but may still be in use elsewhere. If you’re eligible, Shingrix is the only one doctors recommend today. It’s more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow the rash. The schedule is simple: two shots, 2 to 6 months apart. No need to wait for a specific season. No need to delay if you’ve had shingles before—getting vaccinated even after an outbreak reduces your chance of getting it again.

Who needs it? If you’re 50 or older, you should get it—even if you think you never had chickenpox. Most people over 50 have been exposed without knowing it. If you’re immunocompromised due to cancer treatment, HIV, or long-term steroids, talk to your doctor. Shingrix is safe for most people with weakened immune systems, unlike Zostavax. And if you’re under 50 but have a history of recurrent shingles or a chronic condition that raises your risk, your provider might still recommend it off-label. The vaccine doesn’t cure shingles—it stops it before it starts.

Side effects? Some soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. A few people feel tired, headache, or muscle pain for a day or two. These aren’t signs the vaccine is working—they’re just your body reacting. They’re far less dangerous than shingles itself, which can cause blindness, hearing loss, or permanent nerve damage. If you’ve been skipping the shot because you’re worried about cost or timing, remember: one dose isn’t enough. You need both. Delaying the second shot beyond six months doesn’t ruin the protection, but it does leave you vulnerable longer.

The posts below cover real-world issues tied to this topic: how aging changes how your body handles vaccines, what to do if you’ve had a bad reaction to a shot before, how to verify you’re getting real medication from a pharmacy, and why doctors weigh risks versus benefits before recommending anything. You’ll also find tips on traveling with prescriptions, managing drug interactions, and avoiding counterfeit meds—because your health doesn’t stop at the vaccine needle.