Zoster Vaccine: A Shield Against Painful Shingles

Zoster vaccine is used to prevent herpes zoster or shingles. Varicella virus is the main cause of chicken pox disease and it is also the cause of shingles. Varicella virus can remain present in the body of a person even after chicken pox is cured. This virus can become active even after a few years and it can cause shingles or herpes zoster.

When a person has shingles or herpes zoster, the following symptoms are seen in the body -

• Painful blisters or rashes on one part of the face and body.
• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling more cold than usual
• Upset stomach, etc. 

Just like chicken pox, shingles is also an infectious disease, it can spread easily from one person to another. If a person has never had chicken pox before and has not taken the chicken pox vaccine, then such a person is more likely to get infected from a person suffering from shingles. In such a case, a healthy person can get chicken pox disease instead of shingles.

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Herpes zoster or shingles mainly affects people above the age of 50. Many other problems also start due to shingles. Generally, there is a high possibility of getting post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) when you have shingles. The condition of PHN appears after the rash and blisters caused by shingles heal. But taking the Zoster vaccine greatly reduces the possibility of getting shingles and PHN.

Two vaccines named Zostavax and Shingrix are used to prevent Zoster and Shingles.

Age And Dosage Of Zoster Vaccine

People aged 50 years and above are given two doses of Shingrix. Its first dose can be given at any time, while the second dose is given between 2 to 6 months. 

Apart from this, Zostavax vaccine is given to the elderly aged 60 years and above.

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Generally, the side effects of the Zoster vaccine are very mild and they get cured in a few days. Serious side effects from this injection are seen in very few cases. It is safe to administer this injection, but there are many cases in which the reactions to this vaccine can be serious. The common side effects of Zoster or Shingles injection are described as follows-

• Pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection. 
• Headache due to vaccine
• Some rare side effects of the vaccine
• Fever after taking the vaccine, flu. 
• Sore throat
• Swelling in the glands,
• Pain in the rash,
• Hives,
• Irregular heartbeat,
• Difficulty breathing,
• Wheezing sound while breathing, 
• Rapid pulse, etc.

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Sometimes a zoster vaccine is not recommended in certain circumstances. Due to some disease or other health condition, doctors do not consider it appropriate to give this vaccine. Let us know further in which circumstances the zoster vaccine should not be taken or should be taken only after consulting a doctor. If a person has had a fatal allergy to the previous dose of Zoster vaccine, then the person should not take the vaccine again. People who have any kind of severe allergy to the ingredients present in the Zoster vaccine should not take this vaccine. 

• Having HIV or other diseases that reduce immunity. 
• Taking steroid medicines.
• This vaccine should not be taken while undergoing treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. 
• Pregnant women and women trying to conceive should also seek medical advice before taking this vaccine.

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The Zoster vaccine, also known as the shingles vaccine, is given to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) in the body. Shingles is a viral infection that occurs when the chickenpox virus becomes active again. It usually causes a painful rash and blisters. The zoster vaccine is beneficial for adults, especially those over the age of 50, as their immune systems may be weakened. This vaccine helps reduce the risk of shingles as well as prevent its serious effects, such as postherpetic neuralgia (long-lasting pain).

This vaccine is generally safe, but mild side effects, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, may occur. It is important to consult a doctor before taking the vaccine, especially if you are pregnant, suffering from an illness, or taking immuno-suppressive medications. Regular vaccination can prevent the effects of shingles to a large extent.