Should My 65-Year-Old Diabetic Father Get the Shingles Vaccine After an Outbreak?

Q: Should My 65-Year-Old Diabetic Father Get the Shingles Vaccine After an Outbreak?

Hello： If you have recently contracted shingles, the antibody levels in your body will be elevated, and there is no need to receive the vaccine in the short term. <br>Thank you!

Shingles vaccine

My father is 65 years old and has diabetes.
He recently had a severe case of shingles.
Since the recurrence rate of shingles is low, I would like to know if he still needs to receive the shingles vaccine?

Ms. Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/04/18

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology

Hello: If you have recently contracted shingles, the antibody levels in your body will be elevated, and there is no need to receive the vaccine in the short term.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2014/04/18

More Info

When considering whether your 65-year-old father with diabetes should receive the shingles vaccine after experiencing a severe outbreak of shingles, it's important to understand a few key points about shingles, the vaccine, and the implications for individuals with diabetes.

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. The risk of developing shingles increases with age, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, are at a higher risk for complications.

The shingles vaccine, specifically the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix), is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles before. This vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of developing shingles and its complications, including postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause severe pain even after the rash has healed.

In your father's case, since he has recently experienced a severe outbreak of shingles, his body has likely developed some level of immunity to the virus. However, this immunity may not be sufficient to prevent future outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who have had shingles still receive the shingles vaccine to help boost their immunity and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Given your father's age and his diabetes, it is particularly important for him to consider vaccination. Diabetes can complicate infections and may lead to more severe outcomes. Vaccination can provide an additional layer of protection against future outbreaks and complications associated with shingles.

It is generally advised to wait a certain period after a shingles outbreak before receiving the vaccine. This waiting period allows the body to recover and ensures that the vaccine can be administered effectively. Typically, it is recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 months after the shingles rash has completely healed before getting vaccinated. However, this timeframe can vary based on individual circumstances, so it is essential to consult with your father's healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In conclusion, while your father has recently had a severe case of shingles, it is advisable for him to receive the shingles vaccine to enhance his immunity and reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Given his diabetes, this vaccination is particularly important to help prevent complications. Please consult with his healthcare provider to discuss the appropriate timing for vaccination and any other health considerations specific to his situation.

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