Do you remember the pain of chickenpox when you were a child? The blisters that broke out all over your body, the itching, and sometimes the fever? Most people never remember it again after they get better. But for some people, years, even decades later, the same virus that caused chickenpox reawakens in the body and comes out as an even more severe, painful illness. We call it herpes zoster (shingles) . Today we are talking about the best way to protect yourself from this pain.
Simply put, what is this herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine?
This is a vaccine that reduces your risk of getting shingles. To be precise, it strengthens your immune system and stops the old chickenpox virus (`Varicella-zoster virus`) from becoming active again.
Another big advantage of this vaccine is that even if you do get shingles, it greatly reduces the risk of developing a condition called Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) , a severe, long-lasting nerve pain that can occur afterward. PHN is a very bothersome condition. For some people, the pain can last for months or even years after the blisters have healed.
The main vaccine currently used in Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world is the Shingrix™ vaccine. Although there was previously a vaccine called Zostavax®, Shingrix™ is now the most widely used because of its greater success rate.
Who is most important to get this vaccine?
This is not something everyone needs, but doctors specifically recommend that certain groups get this vaccine. Check to see if you fall into these categories.
| Recommended group of people | Important points |
|---|---|
| Everyone aged 50 or over | As we age, our immunity naturally decreases, so the risk of the virus reactivating is higher. |
| Those aged 19 or older, with weakened immune systems | People with weakened immune systems due to other diseases (e.g. cancer, HIV) or medications (e.g. steroids) are at higher risk. |
| People who have had shingles before | Just because you've had chickenpox once doesn't mean you won't get it again. The vaccine helps prevent the disease from recurring. But you should wait until the blisters are completely healed before getting the vaccine. |
| People who received the old Zostavax® vaccine | Because the newer Shingrix™ vaccine is more effective, it is recommended that you get Shingrix™ even if you are taking Zostavax®. |
If you are not sure whether you had chickenpox as a child, talk to your doctor about it. A blood test (`titer testing`) may be able to confirm it.
Who should not get the vaccine and who should postpone it?
This vaccine is not suitable for everyone, at all times. Some people should not get it at all, while others should postpone it for a while.
These people should not get vaccinated.
- If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of this vaccine.
- If you have never had chickenpox, that is, if a blood test has confirmed that you are not immune to the chickenpox virus, then you do not need the shingles vaccine, but the chickenpox vaccine .
In these cases, wait a while to get vaccinated.
- If you currently have shingles , you should wait until the blisters and other symptoms have completely healed.
- If you have a fever or other illness , get the vaccine after you are completely recovered.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding , it is best to discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.
Let's learn about the method of vaccination and its safety.
The vaccine is given in the upper arm, above your shoulder . This is a two-dose vaccine.
1. After receiving the first dose ,
2. The second dose should be received between two and six months.
After receiving the Shingrix™ vaccine, you will receive a very high level of protection for at least seven years . Currently, an additional `booster` dose is not recommended after completing these two doses.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any vaccine, there may be some minor side effects. However, these are usually temporary and will subside within a day or two. There is nothing to worry about.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Conditions that can occur normally and go away in a few days | |
| The injection site | - Pain or soreness - Redness - Swelling |
| General characteristics of the body | - Fatigue - Headache - Body pain - Slight fever - Stomach ache - Nausea |
| Severe allergic reactions that may occur very rarely and require immediate medical attention | |
| |
Very important: If you experience any of these severe allergic symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately. These conditions are very rare, but it is important to be aware of them.
Some frequently asked questions
Can I infect someone else after getting the vaccine?
Absolutely not. Shingrix is not a live virus vaccine (a `non-live vaccine`). It is made using a small, harmless protein part of the virus itself. Therefore, you will not get sick from this vaccine, nor will you infect anyone else.
Is it possible for me to get shingles even after getting the vaccine?
This vaccine is more than 90% effective. However, a very small number of people can get shingles even after getting the vaccine. But even if they do, the illness is very mild, less painful, and heals quickly. Most importantly, the risk of developing the severe long-term pain we talked about (`Postherpetic Neuralgia`) is greatly reduced.
Take-Home Message
- Herpes zoster (shingles) is a very painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus.
- People over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting this disease.
- The Shingrix vaccine consists of two doses and is a highly effective way to protect against the disease and its severe complications.
- Side effects after vaccination are usually minor and go away within a few days.
- Talk to your family doctor (doctor) to get the most accurate advice on whether this vaccine is right for you and when to get it.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment