Your Guide to the Shingles Vaccine
Are you at risk of shingles? Don’t let this painful condition disrupt your life. In this ultimate guide, you will explore everything you need to know about the shingles vaccine – Zostavax, including how it works, who should get it and the vaccination process.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Here are some key points about shingles:
- – Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- – After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the nervous system and can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
- – The first symptom of shingles is usually pain or tingling in a specific area of the body, often on one side of the torso or face.
- – A rash of fluid-filled blisters then appears in the same area, which can be painful and itchy.
- – Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and sensitivity to light.
- – Shingles typically last 2-4 weeks, but in some cases, the pain can persist for months or even years after the rash has cleared up.
- – Age increases the risk of developing shingles, making it important to get vaccinated with Zostavax.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, seek advice and take control today by getting vaccinated against shingles.
What is the Zostavax Vaccine?
Zostavax is a vaccine that is designed to prevent shingles. The vaccine is made from a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. By exposing the immune system to this weakened virus, Zostavax helps the body build up its defences against shingles, reducing the likelihood of infection and related complications.
Who can get the Zostavax vaccine?
Adults aged 50 years and over who are at an increased risk of developing shingles, should get the Zostavax vaccine. This includes anyone who has had chickenpox in the past, as well as those who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox.
What are the benefits of the Zostavax vaccine?
The Zostavax vaccine is highly effective in reducing the risk of shingles and related complications.
Some of the benefits include:
- – Reduces the risk of developing shingles by around 50%
- – Decreases the severity and duration of shingles symptoms if they do occur
- – Helps to prevent complications associated with shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia
- – Safe and effective for most people aged 50 and older
- – Only requires one dose to provide long-lasting protection against shingles
- – May also reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma, in older adults
- – Can be conveniently administered at a pharmacy or doctor’s office, without the need for hospitalization
What to expect – during and after treatment
Our experienced pharmacists at Luxtons the Pharmacy will administer the Zostavax vaccine via injection into the upper arm, which is quick and relatively painless; and there is no need for any special preparation or aftercare.
Side Effects
Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as:
- – Redness
- – Soreness at the injection site
These usually resolve on their own within a few days.
Don’t let shingles disrupt your life. Book your Zostavax vaccine at Luxtons the Pharmacy in Exeter today and protect yourself from this painful condition. Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards better health and wellbeing.
This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.