Who Is Shingrix Most Recommended for?
It is highly recommended that adults who are 50 years and older should get two doses of shingrix, each dose should be separated by 2 to 6 months. CDC also recommends that adults 19 years and older who have a weak immune system due to a disease or therapy should get two doses of shingrix. If needed, your doctor will instruct that you get the second dose one or two months after the first.
Other conditions that should make you get a shingrix to include:
- If you have had shingles in the past
- If you have received Zostavax [1] before
- If you have received varicella [2] before
You can get shingrix no matter how old you are. If you have had shingles in the past, the vaccine will help prevent reoccurrence. There is no specific time you should wait after having shingles before you get the vaccine, but generally, it is best to wait for the shingles rash to clear up before you get vaccinated.
Both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus (varicella-zoster virus). You are at a higher risk of getting shingles if you have had shingles in the past. This is because the virus may stay dormant and later reactivate as shingles. For this reason:
- You should get shingrix if you have had chickenpox in the past.
- About 99% of Americans born on or before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember.
- Adults with the weak immune system and have no documented history of chickenpox should discuss this with their healthcare provider for further guidance.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about shingrix before deciding to get it.