What You Need to Know About the Shingles Procedure

Shingle is a viral infection triggered by the varicella-zoster virus, the identical virus responsible for causing chickenpox.

If you have previously experienced chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can remain inactive in your nervous system until later in life. It can manifest as a red rash on the skin upon reactivation, known as herpes zoster or shingles.

Shingles can occur in anyone who has previously had chickenpox. It manifests later in life or when the immune system becomes compromised or weakened.

The painful blisters associated with a shingles rash frequently appear on either one side of the torso, neck, or face. Symptoms such as burning and stinging are common. The rash can persist for several weeks before eventually healing.

Receiving a two-dose shingles vaccine can reduce the likelihood of developing shingles or mitigate the severity of symptoms if you get infected.

The shingles vaccine procedure

Who can administer the vaccine?

Preparing to receive a shingles vaccine is relatively simple and doesn't require extensive steps. You don't even need to schedule an appointment in advance.

While a doctor can certainly arrange a vaccination appointment for you, licensed pharmacists are also authorized to administer the shingles vaccine. Some pharmacies even offer walk-in shingles vaccinations. Please check with your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to see your availability and scheduling options.

Whether you have a scheduled appointment or visit a pharmacy for vaccination on a walk-in basis, the subsequent steps are straightforward.

What happens after you arrive?

You will be asked to provide basic personal information when you get vaccinated. Additionally, you may be requested to provide your health insurance details or make payment for the vaccination.

In many cases, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans cover all or a portion of the shingles vaccine. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies may offer vaccine assistance programs that can help offset any associated costs you may have. You should check with your specific insurance provider or ask about available vaccine assistance programs to determine coverage and potential financial assistance options.

Getting the vaccine

When it's time to receive the shingles shot, you will be seated in a treatment area and asked to expose your shoulder to administer the vaccine.

The healthcare professional or pharmacist administering the vaccine will verify your identity and cleanse the injection site using alcohol. Subsequently, they will administer the shingles vaccine by injecting it into the deltoid muscle of your shoulder.

The entire process of receiving the shingles shot typically lasts only a few seconds. The healthcare professional or pharmacist may apply a bandage to the injection site afterward. Otherwise, you can leave the doctor's office or pharmacy without specific instructions or precautions.

It is advisable to schedule the second dose of the shingles vaccine when you receive the first dose. Scheduling the second dose ensures that you complete the recommended vaccine regimen and maximize the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Who is eligible for a shingles vaccine?

While individuals who have had chickenpox are susceptible to developing shingles, they are not the only ones at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults over the age of 50 and adults over the age of 19 with certain health conditions receive the shingles vaccine. This broader recommendation aims to provide protection and reduce the risk of shingles across a wider population.

You should plan to receive the shingles vaccine if you:

• previously had shingles
• received a discontinued version of the shingles vaccine called Zostavax
• were vaccinated against chickenpox
• had chickenpox

Who should not get the shingles vaccine?

Three groups of people who should not receive the shingles vaccine are:

• Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to any component of the shingles vaccine. This includes allergic reactions to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine.
• Individuals who have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, or due to immunosuppressive treatments like chemotherapy or high-dose steroids. The vaccine may not be effective or safe for individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Pregnant women: The safety of the shingles vaccine during pregnancy has not been established, so it is generally not recommended for pregnant women.

Considering your medical history and circumstances, it is very important for you to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the shingles vaccine is appropriate for you.

What are the potential side effects of the shingles vaccine?

Most side effects of the shingles vaccine are typically mild, temporary, and short-lived. These side effects generally occur within a few days after administering the first or second dose of the vaccine and tend to resolve on their own within a few days.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Shivering
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Tiredness
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Pain or soreness in the arm where the injection was given

When to consult a healthcare provider

Most side effects from the shingles vaccine will typically subside within a few days after vaccination. If any discomfort or symptoms arise, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can often alleviate them. It is always recommended to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and the instructions provided with the medication.

In the rare event that you experience a more severe reaction following vaccination, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. If you develop a serious or concerning reaction after receiving the shingles vaccine, it is advisable to call a doctor or visit a health clinic for evaluation and appropriate medical care. It is always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional for any unusual or worrisome symptoms.

Should you receive the shingles vaccine more than once?

According to the CDC, the shingles vaccine series should be administered once in a person's lifetime. There is no specific age limit for receiving the vaccine; it can be given at any age after 50. The protection provided by the shingles vaccine remains strong for the first 7 years and continues to be effective beyond that period. I want to inform you that the information provided is based on the CDC's guidelines and recommendations.

You'll need to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate shingle vaccination schedule based on your specific immune system and health considerations. Your doctor can evaluate your risk factors, medical history, and any underlying health conditions to provide personalized guidance on the timing and frequency of shingles vaccinations. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations tailored to your unique circumstances.

Takeaway

To prepare for receiving the shingles vaccine, no specific actions are required other than making arrangements to receive it. The actual administration of the vaccine takes only a few seconds. However, it's important to note that the shingles vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given a few months after the first vaccination. Completing the full series of doses is crucial to ensure optimal protection against developing shingles.