Do I Need a Shingles Vaccine?

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus that caused it is still inside your body. It stays quiet in your nerve tissues for years. As you get older, that virus can wake up and cause a painful condition called shingles. At Palm Desert Urgent Care, Internal Medicine Provider Manzoor Kazi, MD, knows prevention is your best tool against this virus.

Who should get the vaccine?

Dr. Kazi recommends the zoster vaccine, Shingrix, for adults aged 50 and older, even if you have already had shingles or previously received the older version of the vaccine.

You don't have to wait until you are 50 if you have a weakened immune system. Adults 19 and older who have certain medical conditions should also talk to us about vaccination. The vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its most common complication, which is long-term nerve pain.

Why shingles is more than just a rash

Shingles is more than a temporary skin irritation. The symptoms are often much more severe. It usually starts as a tingling or burning feeling on one side of the body. A red rash and fluid-filled blisters follow this.

The real danger is postherpetic neuralgia. This happens when the virus damages your nerve fibers. The result is a sharp, throbbing pain that can last for months or even years after the rash disappears. About 10 to 18 percent of people who get shingles develop lasting nerve pain. The risk of these complications increases significantly as you age.

What to expect from the shot

We provide the Shingrix vaccine in two doses. You will receive the second shot between 2 and 6 months after the first. It is a non-living vaccine, meaning it uses a tiny piece of the virus to teach your immune system to fight it.

Vaccine side effects are mild. You might have a sore arm, feel tired, or have a slight headache for a day or two. These signs show that your body is building a strong defense. Getting both doses is vital because the first shot initiates the process, and the second shot provides long-term protection.

Protecting your health in Palm Desert

If you are 50 or older, or have concerns about your immune health, don't wait for a painful outbreak. Early prevention is the most effective way to avoid the risks associated with this virus.

If you have questions about the shingles vaccine or other preventive care, call Palm Desert Urgent Care or book an appointment through our online portal today.