The shingles vaccine is recommended primarily for adults aged 50 and older. It is especially advised for:
- Adults 50 years and older, who should receive two doses of the Shingrix vaccine, separated by 2 to 6 months. There is no maximum age for getting this vaccine.
- Adults 19 years and older with weakened or severely weakened immune systems due to disease or immunosuppressive therapy. They should also receive two doses, possibly with a shorter interval between doses if needed.
- Healthy adults aged 60 to 79 (or sometimes starting at 65 depending on the country) are eligible and encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce the risk and severity of shingles and its complications.
- Some countries and guidelines also recommend vaccination for certain high-risk groups starting as early as age 18 if immunocompromised or at higher risk.
The vaccine is important because it protects against shingles and its common complication, postherpetic neuralgia, which causes long-term nerve pain. It is recommended even if a person has had shingles before or a prior shingles vaccine like Zostavax.
People who should not get the vaccine include those who have had a severe allergic reaction to it previously, currently have shingles, or are pregnant. Minor illnesses are not a contraindication to vaccination.
Summary:
Group| Recommendation
---|---
Adults 50 years and older| Two doses of Shingrix vaccine, regardless of prior
shingles or vaccination history
Adults 19+ with weakened immune system| Two doses, possibly shorter interval
between doses
Healthy adults 60-79 or 65-79 (varies by country)| Eligible and encouraged for
vaccination
Those not advised| Severe allergic reaction to vaccine, current shingles,
pregnancy
This comprehensive guidance aligns with recommendations from health authorities in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.
