Shingles Vaccine: Do I Need It After Previous Outbreak?

Shingles vaccine

Hello, I had shingles in my lower back about 30 years ago, with only 3 to 4 blisters, and it healed in about 2 to 3 weeks.
I heard there is a vaccine available now.
Do I need to get vaccinated since I had shingles before? If I don't get vaccinated, will it recur? If it does recur, will it be more severe? Thank you!

yen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/09

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

The incidence rate of shingles is approximately 20%.
Once a person has had it, the chance of getting it again is very low, unless their immune system is significantly compromised.
Vaccination should be considered based on individual circumstances.

Reply Date: 2016/03/09

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the shingles vaccine, especially in the context of your previous outbreak of shingles approximately 30 years ago.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. It’s important to note that having had shingles does not provide complete immunity against future outbreaks. In fact, individuals who have had shingles are at an increased risk of experiencing another episode.

The shingles vaccine, specifically the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix), is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles in the past. The vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and also decreases the severity of the disease if it does occur. Studies indicate that Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a common complication characterized by severe pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred.

Given that you experienced a mild case of shingles with only a few blisters that resolved in a couple of weeks, it is still advisable to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine can help bolster your immune response against the virus and reduce the likelihood of a future outbreak. If you do not get vaccinated, there is a possibility of recurrence, and subsequent outbreaks can be more severe than the initial episode.
As for the timing of the vaccine, it is generally recommended to wait until you have fully recovered from any current health issues before getting vaccinated. If you have any concerns about your health status or the timing of the vaccine, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In summary, even after a previous outbreak of shingles, getting vaccinated with Shingrix is highly recommended. It can significantly lower your risk of future outbreaks and associated complications. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!

Similar Q&A

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

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?

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!

Understanding Shingles: Can You Get It Without Having Chickenpox?

Hello, I recently had shingles. However, I am certain that I have never had chickenpox, as I received the chickenpox vaccine during middle school. Why did I still get shingles?

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
First, it is essential to confirm whether the diagnosis of shingles is accurate. If it is confirmed: 1. Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body (in the nerve ganglia), so one must have been previously infected with the varicella...

Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine After Shingles Treatment?

The doctor advised that I should not receive the COVID-19 public vaccine within a week after getting the shingles vaccine. My last injection of the anti-inflammatory medication for shingles was on September 11, and as of today, September 30, I have not experienced any significant...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It should be fine. However, it is still important to inform the vaccination provider.

Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination

Hello, a family member has SLE and developed shingles on the left arm four months after receiving the shingles vaccine. Upon returning to the attending physician, it was found that shingles appeared again in a short period. They have been taking antiviral medication for four days...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can continue taking antiviral medication, drink plenty of water, and monitor the skin rash. If the rash appears in different areas while on an adequate dose of antiviral medication, it is likely not herpes; however, if it is near ...