Shingles Vaccine: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know

When the shingles vaccine, a preventive shot that reduces the risk of shingles, a painful nerve rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Also known as herpes zoster vaccine, it’s one of the few vaccines designed specifically for adults over 50. Unlike childhood shots, this one isn’t about preventing initial infection—it’s about stopping the virus from waking up decades later and attacking your nerves.

The herpes zoster, the virus that causes shingles, which lies dormant in nerve tissue after a person recovers from chickenpox doesn’t go away. It hides. And for about 1 in 3 people, it comes back—usually after age 50, when immunity weakens. That’s when the postherpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain that can follow shingles, often lasting months or even years kicks in. It’s not just a rash. It’s burning, stabbing pain that doesn’t always respond to painkillers. The shingles vaccine cuts your risk of this by more than 90% if you get the newer version.

There are two main vaccines: Zostavax and Shingrix. Zostavax is older, less effective, and no longer sold in the U.S. Shingrix is the only one recommended today. It’s two shots, given 2 to 6 months apart. Even if you had shingles before, got Zostavax, or aren’t sure if you had chickenpox, you still need Shingrix. The CDC says all adults 50 and older should get it—no exceptions. If you’re 65, diabetic, or have high blood pressure, you’re even more at risk. The vaccine doesn’t just protect you from the rash. It protects you from the pain that can ruin your sleep, make walking hard, or keep you from hugging your grandkids.

Some people worry about side effects. The most common? A sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness for a day or two. That’s nothing compared to the weeks or months of nerve pain shingles can cause. If you’re 50 or older and haven’t gotten Shingrix yet, you’re leaving yourself exposed. It’s not optional. It’s one of the smartest health moves you can make after 50. Below, you’ll find real-world insights on how the vaccine works, who should avoid it, and what to expect after the shot—straight from people who’ve been through it.