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Dear Kalee,

I understand that the Wellness Center now offers shingles vaccines. Can you tell me more?

Signed, Curious About the Shingles Vaccine

Dear Curious,

I am so glad you asked about the shingles vaccine. Here are some quick facts (CDC*, 2018):

  • 1 million people get shingles every year.
  • If anyone has had chicken pox or been exposed to varicella, they have the potential to have shingles.
  • Approximately 1/3 of the United States' population is said to have shingles at least once in their lifetime.
  • Your risk of getting shingles, increases as you get older.
  • Recommended vaccine for anyone over the age of 50 without contradindications.

The new shingles vaccine is called Shingrix. It has been studied and found to be more protective against shingles than previous vaccines. Studies have linked it to being over 90% effective, and continues in patients well into their lifespan. There are minimal side effects, with the most common being pain at the injection site, fatigue, and general malaise. It is given in a two-step series, with the first immunization and then the second dose given 2-6 months after. There is no booster, once the series is completed you are vaccinated against Shingles. This vaccine helps prevent not only getting shingles, but also diminishes the risk of nerve pain from shingles (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, 2017).

It is available to you at no cost at the wellness center after a consultation with the medical provider. This is considered a preventative visit. A vaccine information sheet is available. The appointment takes very little time, less than 20 minutes. Please contact the wellness center for any further questions. We look forward to helping you get healthier!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kalee Cambray, DNP, APNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C

References:

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Shingles. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/shingles/index.html

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. (2017). Highlights of Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccin...