Have you heard of chickenpox, or as some call it, herpes zoster? Perhaps you have seen an adult in your family suffer from it. A person who had chickenpox as a child can get this disease years later when they are older. It appears as a very painful blister on one side of the body. This pain can sometimes last for months or even years. So the best way to protect yourself from this annoying disease is to get vaccinated against it. Today, let's talk about this Zoster vaccine.
What is the Shingles Vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that is given to reduce the risk of developing shingles or chickenpox. The most commonly used vaccine in Sri Lanka and the world is the Shingrix vaccine.
The important thing is that this vaccine is given to protect against shingles before it develops. It is not given as a treatment for someone who already has shingles.
This vaccine has another advantage. It also greatly reduces the risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia, a severe, long-lasting nerve pain that some people experience after shingles. Because it does not contain a live virus (a non-live vaccine), most people can safely get it.
What are the things you need to tell the doctor before getting this vaccine?
If you decide to get this vaccine, you should definitely discuss these points with your doctor, because the doctor will decide whether this vaccine is suitable for you or not, based on your health condition.
- If you have cancer: If you are being treated for any cancer, tell us about it.
- Weak immune system: If you have a weak immune system, for example, if you have HIV infection, or if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system (e.g., organ transplant recipients), you should tell your doctor.
- Allergies: Please let us know if you have had an allergic reaction to the first dose of this vaccine in the past, or if you have any severe allergies to any other medicine, food, or substance.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Talk to your doctor before getting this vaccine while breastfeeding your baby.
How is the vaccine given? What to do if a dose is missed?
This is usually an injection into a muscle in your upper arm . It is given by a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.
This is a two-dose vaccine. The second dose should be given between 2 and 6 months after the first dose. It is very important to complete both doses to be fully protected.
Imagine you missed your second dose on the day you were supposed to take it. Don't panic. Call your doctor as soon as possible and schedule a new appointment. Don't skip it.
Are there any other medications that may interact with this vaccine?
Yes, some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Be especially careful with these types of medications:
- Immunosuppressants: Medications given to reduce the activity of the immune system due to other medical conditions.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs used to treat cancer.
- Steroids: For example, if you take high doses of medications like prednisone or cortisone for a long time.
This list is not exhaustive, so tell your doctor about all the vitamins, herbal remedies, and traditional medicines you are taking before getting vaccinated.
What are the possible side effects after getting the vaccine?
Like any vaccine, there are some minor side effects that can occur. Most of the time, these are not serious and will subside within a day or two. This means that your body's immune system has responded to the vaccine and is starting to build up protection.
| Side Effect | What to Do |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions - Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | This is an emergency. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Trouble Breathing | Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| This is a common occurrence, but if it doesn't go away in a few days, tell your doctor. | |
| Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site | This is very common. It will subside in 2-3 days. If the pain is severe, you can ask your doctor and take Paracetamol. |
| Body aches, fatigue, headaches | A sign that the immune system is working. Drink plenty of water and rest. |
| Fever, chills | This is also normal. Rest is important. If the fever lasts more than 2 days, tell your doctor. |
| Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort | Eat light meals and drink plenty of fluids. |
Since this vaccine is administered under the supervision of a doctor, there is no chance of an 'overdose'. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Take-Home Message
- The zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is a highly effective vaccine that prevents the painful disease shingles and its complications.
- This is a two-dose vaccine. It is essential to receive both doses at the scheduled time for full protection.
- Before getting the vaccine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you are taking.
- It is normal to experience minor side effects such as pain at the injection site, bruising, and fatigue. These will go away within a few days.
- Serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or severe allergic reactions are very rare, but if they occur, seek medical advice immediately.
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