Vaccination
Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) is recommended to prevent shingles in adults 50 and older.
Shingles is a painful rash that usually develops on one side of the body, often the face or torso. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. Some people describe the pain as an intense burning sensation. For some people, the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This long-lasting pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it is the most common complication of shingles. Your risk of getting shingles and PHN increases as you get older.
Shingrix is licensed in the United States and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to prevent shingles and its complications.
Zostavax is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020.
One for adult patients and one for healthcare professionals—describe who should be vaccinated as well as the benefits and side effects.
- CDC Shingles Website
- Shingles Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know About Shingles and Shingles Vaccine pdf icon[2 pages]
- Shingles information on vaccines.govexternal icon
- Pictures of Shingles Warning: Some of these photos are graphic.
