Vaccine Information Leaflet
Shingles vaccines help prevent shingles caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). VZV is the same virus that causes chickenpox. It stays dormant in your body and can cause shingles later in life. Though shingles cannot spread directly from one person to another, the VZV can spread and cause chickenpox in those who never had chickenpox or had never received the chickenpox vaccine .Transmission of the VZV is through direct contact with fluid from the shingles rash blisters.People with shingles cannot spread the VZV before their rash blisters appear or after the rash has crusted.
The first symptom of shingles is usually pain, which can be intense with even a slightest touch. Other symptoms of shingles include rash, fluid filled blisters, fever, headache, chills, or stomach upset.
A common complication of shingles, especially in older adults is a nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can be severe and long-lasting, even after the rash has cleared. Other rare complications include lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), hearing loss or blindness.
There are two types of vaccines available:
The recombinant shingles vaccine does not contain the live VZV, but contains the shingles “code” for the body to recognise and obtain immunity from. The live shingles vaccine contains the weakened VZV.
It is recommended in older adults, such as those 50 years of age or older who would benefit from immunity to shingles. Please check with your doctor for more information.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
For Recombinant Shingles Vaccine
For Live Shingles Vaccine
The recombinant shingles vaccine is given by injection into a muscle, as a series of two doses. The live shingles vaccine is given by injection just underneath the skin, as a single dose.
Please see a doctor if these side effects do not get better or become worse.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your healthcare professional immediately.
This article was last reviewed on Thursday, August 12, 2021