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WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST
Herpes Zoster / Shingles (painful skin rash)
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WHO IT’S FOR
Adults
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WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN
50 years and older
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BENEFITS
- Protects against serious illness and complications from herpes zoster:
- Shingles (painful skin rash)
- Long-lasting nerve pain
- Eye/nerve damage
- Reduces risk of hospital stays
- Helps stop the virus from spreading to others
- Protects against serious illness and complications from herpes zoster:
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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- Soreness around injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.
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VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)
- Shingrix – 2 dose series
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COMMON QUESTIONS
If I had chickenpox as a child, do I still need the shingles vaccine?
Yes, having chickenpox as a child doesn’t protect you from shingles as an adult. The shingles vaccine is recommended to help prevent the virus from reactivating later in life.