Q: I’ve heard getting the shingles vaccine can help prevent actually getting shingles, but are there other benefits?
A: Getting the Shingrix® vaccine can reduce the risk of actually developing shingles by over 90%. Even if someone gets shingles after being immunized, the vaccine can reduce the level of pain and the risk of developing post-shingles pain. Multiple epidemiological studies have also shown a link between shingles infection and cardiovascular complications such as stroke or heart attack. The risk of stroke is increased after a shingles infection, especially if there is ocular involvement and this risk has been shown to be decreased by getting the shingles vaccine. It is worth having an in-depth discussion with your healthcare provider to see if the shingles vaccine is right for you.
