Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
What is shingles (herpes zoster)
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the herpesvirus. The virus that causes shingles is called varicella zoster, and it is the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. After the illness subsides, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system for life.
Occasionally, the virus reactivates and becomes shingles. The disease causes pain and blisters all over the body. Many of the patients are adults over the age of 65 because a dormant virus is easier to reactivate with a weakening immune system.
Herpes zoster symptoms
A cluster of small, red bumps on the skin that follows the path of a nerve, typically on the face, head, or chest. The rash is accompanied by intense pain and itching, and after several days, it turns into tingling and aching blisters.
The pain may linger for days after the blisters have dried up and healed (a week to ten days), though. Usually, the discomfort comes before the rash, and on rare occasions, other general symptoms like weakness and fever also manifest. Rarely does the illness manifest without symptoms.
Possible complications
People with suppressed immune systems are more likely to experience complications from shingles, such as bacterial infections. There are medications that can help delay the spread of the virus, and a doctor may prescribe them.
People with healthy immune systems can also experience chronic nerve pain after shingles. This pain can start with the rash and last for weeks or months after the rash has healed. These pains interfere with normal functioning, and regular painkillers do not alleviate them.
Rare complications may include damage to the optic nerve and cornea of the eye and meningitis.
Why should you get the herpes zoster vaccine
The herpes zoster vaccine lowers the frequency and severity of symptoms.
It is also suggested that those who have already had the illness obtain the vaccine because it could recur. If you already have the illness, you must wait until you recover (until all the blisters have healed) in order to receive the vaccine because the vaccine does not cure it. The vaccine lasts for at least 10 years before losing its effectiveness.
The Shingrix vaccine for preventing herpes zoster
As of July 1, 2023, a new shingles vaccine administered in two doses has entered use in Israel.
The Shingrix vaccine against herpes zoster provides better immunity than Zostavax. It is also safe for people with suppressed immune systems.
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for people over 50 and covered by the health basket for people over 65 and for people over the age of 18 who are at high risk (people with a suppressed immune system). The vaccine involves a copayment.
Attention
Attention
To get the vaccine, you need a prescription and a referral from your family physician.
The vaccine is available at all health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
Possible side effects after getting the herpes zoster vaccine
- Local symptoms: redness, soreness, swelling, itching, and warmth at the injection site.
- General symptoms: headaches and shivers; muscle pain; fatigue; hematoma; indigestion (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache).
