Is there a downside to the shingles vaccine?

The main downsides to the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) are common, temporary side effects like a sore arm or flu-like symptoms, and in very rare cases, a small increased risk of a serious neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Is there a reason not to get the shingles vaccine?

You should not get Shingrix if you: Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix. Currently have shingles. Currently are pregnant.

Are there long-term side effects from the shingles vaccine?

Long-term side effects of the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine are rare, with most reactions being short-lived (days) like soreness, fever, and fatigue, but very rare cases of prolonged issues or serious nerve conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported, prompting FDA warnings, though the vaccine's overall safety is strong, and doctors continuously monitor it through systems like VAERS. 

Is it worth having a shingles vaccine?

Yes, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is highly worth it, especially for adults over 50 or with weakened immune systems, as it's extremely effective at preventing severe pain, reducing the risk of long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia or PHN), and new studies even suggest benefits like lower risks of heart disease and dementia, despite potential temporary soreness from the shots. 

Is the shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of dementia?

Recent large studies show the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine significantly lowers the risk of developing dementia and may slow its progression, with findings suggesting vaccinated individuals are up to 20% less likely to get dementia and may experience slower decline, potentially by reducing the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the nervous system, a plausible link to cognitive decline. Researchers observed lower risks for vascular dementia and reduced mortality from dementia, supporting the vaccine as a promising tool for brain health, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
 

Benefits and Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine

What four vaccines are linked to lower dementia risk?

Studies link several vaccines to a lower dementia risk, with strong evidence for Shingles (HZV), Flu (Influenza), and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), while newer research also points to the RSV vaccine, with potential mechanisms involving reduced inflammation and immune system benefits. Receiving multiple vaccines and staying up-to-date appears to offer greater protection against developing conditions like Alzheimer's. 

What is the controversy with the Shingrix vaccine?

In a post-marketing observational study in individuals aged 65 years or older, an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (estimated 3 excess cases per million doses administered) was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with Shingrix.

Why are doctors pushing the shingles vaccine?

The large clinical trial that the agency based its approval on showed that the vaccine halved the risk of getting shingles. Even more impressive, it cut by two-thirds the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, the aftermath of shingles that develops in about one in every three cases in people age 60 and over.

What percentage of people actually get shingles?

About 1 in 3 people (around 30%) in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime, with the risk significantly increasing with age, affecting nearly half of those who live to be 85. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) and becomes more common as your immune system weakens with age.
 

What is the FDA warning on the shingles vaccine?

New Warning about Risk for GBS following Shingrix

FDA has required a new warning about GBS in the Prescribing Information for Shingrix as a result of new safety data from a postmarketing observational study. In the study, an increased risk of GBS was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with Shingrix.

What are alternative ways to prevent shingles?

The most effective way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix for all healthy adults 50 years and older, regardless of whether they've had shingles before. Shingrix was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017.

What is the downside of taking the shingles vaccine?

The most common side effects of a shingles vaccine are headaches and pain, soreness, swelling and itching where the shot was given. On white skin, the area might look red. On Black or brown skin the redness might be harder to see.

What triggers a person to get shingles?

Shingles flares up when the dormant chickenpox virus (Varicella-Zoster) reactivates, usually triggered by a weakened immune system due to aging, significant stress, certain illnesses (like HIV, cancer, diabetes), or medications that suppress immunity (like chemotherapy, steroids, or transplant drugs). Trauma, fatigue, and other factors that lower your body's defenses can also allow the virus to reawaken, causing the painful rash.
 

When should you not have a shingles vaccination?

Who cannot have the shingles vaccine. Most people who are eligible for the shingles vaccine can have it. You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.

What happens if I don't get the 2nd shingles shot?

Most people need two doses of the shingles vaccine, separated by two to six months. You may get your second dose earlier if you have a compromised immune system. If you don't get the second Shingrix shot, it's possible that you could still get shingles.

How do you prevent getting shingles?

The best way to prevent shingles is by getting the Shingrix vaccine, a two-dose series recommended for all healthy adults 50 and older, and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems, as it's over 90% effective. Maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management also helps. Vaccination protects against the painful rash and serious complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). 

How can I reduce the side effects of Shingrix?

Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix can help ease discomfort from side effects. Contact your doctor if you have serious side effects.

Is the shingles vaccine linked with lower risk of dementia?

Recent large studies show the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine significantly lowers the risk of developing dementia and may slow its progression, with findings suggesting vaccinated individuals are up to 20% less likely to get dementia and may experience slower decline, potentially by reducing the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the nervous system, a plausible link to cognitive decline. Researchers observed lower risks for vascular dementia and reduced mortality from dementia, supporting the vaccine as a promising tool for brain health, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
 

Why are so many people getting shingles now?

The reason for shingles is unclear. It may be due to lowered immunity to infections as people get older. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems. Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses.

What vaccines are linked to lower risk of dementia?

Yes, multiple studies show that routine vaccinations, especially for shingles, flu, pneumonia, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), are linked to a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, potentially by preventing infections that harm the brain or through immune system effects, with recent research highlighting the shingles and RSV vaccines' adjuvants as key. These vaccines may not cure dementia but appear to delay its onset, offering a significant preventive strategy. 

What is the truth about the shingles vaccine?

The truth about the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is that it's highly effective (over 90%) at preventing painful shingles and its complications, recommended for adults 50+ (and immunocompromised adults 19+), requires two doses, and while it causes temporary side effects (sore arm, fever, headache), these are normal signs of immune response, with benefits far outweighing risks, even if you've had shingles before. 

What childhood virus is linked to dementia?

Childhood viruses, particularly herpesviruses like Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) (cold sores) and Varicella-Zoster Virus (chickenpox/shingles), are increasingly linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's later in life, possibly by causing inflammation or contributing to amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, with studies showing higher infection rates in dementia patients and potential protective effects from the shingles vaccine.
 

Who should avoid Shingrix?

Shingrix should not be given to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any component of the vaccine, those currently pregnant, or those with an active shingles infection; people with weakened immune systems or certain conditions like GBS should discuss risks with a doctor.