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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffTwo vaccines may help prevent shingles and subsequent postherpetic neuralgia — the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine and the shingles (varicella-zoster) vaccine.
If you haven't had chickenpox: Chickenpox vaccine
The varicella virus vaccine (Varivax) has become a routine childhood immunization to prevent chickenpox. It's also recommended for older kids and adults who've never had chickenpox.
Though the chickenpox vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get chickenpox or shingles, it can reduce your chances of complications and reduce the severity of the disease.
If you've already had chickenpox: Shingles vaccine
The varicella-zoster vaccine (Zostavax) can help prevent shingles in adults age 60 and older who've had chickenpox. Like the chickenpox vaccine, the shingles vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get shingles. But this live attenuated virus vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease and reduce your risk of postherpetic neuralgia. One study found the vaccine reduced the number of cases of postherpetic neuralgia by two-thirds.
The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection, usually in the upper arm. It's only used as a prevention strategy, however. It's not intended to treat people who already have the disease. Common side effects include redness, pain and swelling at the needle site, itching and headache.
This shingles vaccine isn't recommended if you:
- Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any other component of the shingles vaccine
- Have a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects your immune system
- Are receiving medical treatments such as steroids, radiation and chemotherapy
- Have a history of bone marrow or lymphatic cancer
- Have active, untreated tuberculosis
If you are mildly ill, such as with a cold, it's OK to get the vaccine. However, if you're moderately or severely ill, wait until you feel better before getting the vaccine.
