Protect Yourself Against Shingles with Shingrix

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash illness that can develop when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the virus that causes chickenpox—reactivates in the body.

It usually presents with pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop, often along a nerve pathway known as a dermatome. The rash commonly appears on the body, but it can also affect the face, head, and even the eye, leading to more severe complications.

Other Symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Headaches

• Chills

• Upset stomach

Complications can be serious, including:

• Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) – persistent pain even after the rash heals

• Vision loss if shingles affects the eye

• Less commonly, shingles may lead to hearing problems, pneumonia, or encephalitis.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in someone who has previously had chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, often due to aging or weakened immunity.

Who Gets Shingles?

In Singapore, it’s estimated there are about 30,000 new cases of shingles each year. 1 in every 3 people in the United States will experience shingles at some point in their lifetime.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Shingles?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), also known as Shingrix, to help prevent shingles and its complications. This recommendation applies to:

• Adults aged 50 years and older

• Adults aged 19 years and older who are or will be immunocompromised

Learn more about CDC recommendations

What is Shingrix?

Shingrix is a recombinant (non-live) vaccine, meaning it does not contain the live varicella-zoster virus. This vaccine has shown to be highly effective, reducing the risk of shingles by over 90% in adults over 50.

• Dosage: Shingrix is administered in two doses separated by 2 to 6 months.

• Effectiveness: Shingrix provides over 90% protection against shingles.

• Co-administration: It can be given at the same time as other adult vaccines at different injection sites.

Because almost everyone born before the chickenpox vaccine era is likely to have been exposed to chickenpox, adults aged 50 or older are generally considered at risk. Screening for a history of chickenpox isn’t necessary before receiving Shingrix.

Contact Us

If you’re over 50 or have a weakened immune system, you may benefit from the Shingrix vaccine. Contact us today and protect yourself from shingles and its complications.