Shingles is a painful infection that causes discomfort and complications, especially in older adults. To prevent this illness, there’s a shingles vaccine that contains beneficial substances. But, is the shingles vaccine safe and effective enough?
To answer that question, in this article, we’ll give you reliable facts about the vaccine to help you understand whether the shingles vaccine is indeed safe and effective. Let’s follow through with the information in this post!
What Is Shingles Vaccine?
A shingles vaccine is well-known as the herpes zoster vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a shingles vaccine is a preventive measure against the herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles.
It primarily consists of a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The vaccine aims to boost the body’s immune response by reducing the risk of developing shingles. Beyond that, it also lessens the severity and duration of the illness if one does contract it.
Shingles Vaccine Ingredients
The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, contains two main ingredients. See the explanation about it below!
1. Recombinant varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE)
This is the primary antigen in the vaccine that triggers the immune system to produce antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles.
2. AS01B adjuvant system
This adjuvant contains QS-21 (a natural extract from the Quillaja Saponaria tree), liposomes, and MPL (monophosphoryl lipid A). These substances work to enhance the body’s immune response to the antigen.
Who Can Get the Shingles Vaccine?
If you turn 70 or 65 years old on September 1, 2023, you can receive the shingles vaccine for free. However, if you were between 66 and 69 years old on this date, you do not qualify. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can use the age eligibility calculator to confirm. Additionally, there are some eligibility criteria to use this vaccine, as follows!
- are between 71 and 79 years old and haven’t received the vaccine before.
- have a gravely weakened immune system and are 50 years or older.
- are planning to start immunosuppressive therapy and are 50 years or older.
- have undergone a stem cell transplant and are 18 years or older.
- are undergoing or have had CAR-T therapy and are 18 years or older.
Who Cannot Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Broadly speaking, the majority of those qualified for the shingles vaccine can receive it. However, the vaccine isn’t recommended if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or any ingredient in it.
One of the shingles vaccines, Zostavax, has a weakened form of the shingles virus. This vaccine isn’t appropriate for individuals with a significantly weakened immune system. Instead, a different vaccine, Shingrix, will be offered in this situation.
How Can You Get Vaccinated Against Herpes Zoster?
As you already know the answer to the question, “ Is the shingles vaccine safe and effective?”, and meet the basic criteria, you might now be interested in getting this vaccine. Here’s a simple list of steps to obtain the shingles vaccine!
- Visit a healthcare provider like your doctor, pharmacist, or vaccination clinic.
- Schedule an appointment or ask about the vaccine during your regular healthcare visit.
- Discuss your eligibility in detail and any concerns with the healthcare professional given the vaccine.
- Some pharmacies or health centers may provide walk-in services or have specific vaccination timetables.
- Give accurate details about your age, health, and allergies to determine the right vaccine for you.
Is the Shingles Vaccine Safe and Effective?
Yes, medical research and health organizations support its use to prevent shingles. Studies show that most people tolerate the vaccine well with few side effects, such as mild soreness at the injection spot or a slight fever. Moreover, according to the CDC, research also highlights its effectiveness as outlined below.
- For adults aged 50 to 69 years old with healthy immune systems, Shingrix demonstrated 97% effectiveness in preventing shingles.
- In those aged 70 years and older, Shingrix displayed 91% effectiveness against shingles.
- It was also 91% effective in preventing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged 50 years old and older.
- Among individuals aged 70 and above, Shingrix exhibited 89% effectiveness against PHN.
- Even in people with weakened immune systems, Shingrix showed effectiveness ranging between 68% and 91% against shingles, depending on their specific condition.
- Furthermore, for individuals aged 70 years old and older with healthy immune systems, Shingrix provided lasting protection for up to 7 years after vaccination.
Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine
While getting the answer to the question, “ Is the shingles vaccine safe and effective?” you should understand that you might face some side effects after getting vaccinated. Typical side effects that might occur for 1 to 3 days post-shingles vaccination encompass:
- pain, swelling, and redness in the injection area;
- feeling tired, muscle soreness, headaches, and possibly a mild fever; and
- occasional gastrointestinal symptoms.
How Much Do Shingles Vaccine Cost?
As of January 2023, the Shingles vaccine by GSK is priced at $366.82 in total or $183.41 per dose according to the manufacturer. If you don’t have health insurance, your local pharmacy might charge more than this price.
Meanwhile, GoodRx indicates that the average retail cost for each dose of Shingles vaccine is around $213. However, using GoodRx or its Gold program might reduce this to $195 or even lower at $180 per dose. Fortunately, for most people with health insurance, there won’t be any out-of-pocket expenses for it.
If I Can’t Afford Shingles Vaccine, Can I Receive Assistance?
If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford the Shingles vaccine, you might be eligible for financial assistance through the manufacturer’s patient support program. Go to the GSK For You page and check if you qualify for help covering the costs of it.
So, Is The Shingles Vaccine Safe And Effective?
Through the discussion below, you learn that the answer to the question, “Is the shingles vaccine safe and effective?” is yes. It works well in preventing shingles and its complications. Many studies have proven that it reduces the likelihood of getting shingles and lessens their severity.
Furthermore, getting this vaccine is an effective method to protect yourself from the painful effects of shingles. Yet, you should weigh the legibility criteria to avoid mishaps and get the optimal benefits from the vaccine. Thus, if you’re considering getting vaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider for advice!
