What is the shingles shot and info about it? Do you have to be a certain age to get the vaccination?

Question

Ok so heres the deal. Im wondering about this cuz i saw an add thing on tv and was curious as to the age you have to be and stuff. I have a very rare thing that happened to me when i was 6 monthes old. I got chicken pox. Since you have to be at least one year old in order to get the chicken pox vaccination i got the chicken pox before i could even get vaccinated. I remember in health class we were talking about how you are usually older (50-60) when you get shingles, but again similar to the whole chicken pox ordeal, i got shingles when i was only 8 years old and i have a chance of getting them again so im really really curious as to the information about this shingles vaccination. Any reponse would be great! Thanks!!!

m.s. · Accepted Answer

The shingles shot is called Zostavax.  It is currently only approved for use in patients 50 years of age or older.

Basically, it is a super potent version of the chickenpox vaccine (Varivax).

There haven't been any long term studies done on it since it's relatively new.  The marketing information says that if you have had chickenpox, you should get Zostavax.  But you'll have to wait a while, either until you're 50 or the age of approval is changed.

Lynn · Answer

1

nochocolate · Answer

I would tend to go with "John C" answer.  Get the chicken pox vaccine.  The more you're exposed to chickenpox, the less your chance of getting shingles.

That's one reason more people are getting shingles in the US.  The people who are over 50 and have grandchildren, aren't getting exposed like they used to.  The US vaccinates children against chickenpox and the UK does not.

Not saying which one is right, just saying.

John C · Answer

A physician can give you a chicken pox booster (which is pretty much what that over-marketed shingles vaccine is). First the doctor will check your immune titers for chicken pox, if they are low, you could get a booster vaccine.

scarlett604 · Answer

If you have EVER had chicken pox, get the shingles vaccine.   But, talk to your Dr.   Trust me, you don't want shingles.   MANY complications can occur.

What is the shingles shot and info about it? Do you have to be a certain age to get the vaccination?

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