Do seniors need the shingles vaccine? A comprehensive guide for older adults

About 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk increases significantly with age. Health officials strongly recommend that adults 50 and older get the two-dose shingles vaccine to prevent the painful disease and its serious complications.

Quick Summary

A strong immune response is critical for preventing shingles, making the vaccine essential for older adults. The highly effective Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and over and those 19+ with weakened immune systems.

Key Points

• High Risk for Seniors: Adults over 50 are at significantly higher risk for developing shingles and its complications due to a weakening immune system over time.

• Highly Effective Vaccine: The Shingrix vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing shingles in seniors and provides long-lasting immunity for at least seven years.

• Prevents Severe Complications: Vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating condition involving long-term nerve pain that is more common in older adults.

• Additional Health Benefits: Emerging research suggests the shingles vaccine may also help lower the risk of cardiovascular events and dementia.

• Medicare Coverage: For those with Medicare Part D, the shingles vaccine is now available with no out-of-pocket costs due to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Why the Shingles Vaccine is Critical for Seniors

As people age, their immune system weakens, a process known as immune senescence. This makes seniors more susceptible to the varicella-zoster virus reactivating as shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises all healthy adults 50 and older to receive the two-dose Shingrix vaccine. The vaccine is crucial for preventing not only the painful rash but also severe and long-term health issues.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax: Why the Change?

Shingrix, approved in 2017, is now the only shingles vaccine available in the U.S., replacing the older Zostavax. Shingrix offers superior effectiveness and longer-lasting protection compared to Zostavax. It is over 90% effective in adults 50 and older and significantly lowers the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Shingrix provides strong immunity for at least seven years, while Zostavax's protection faded more quickly.

Significant Health Benefits Beyond Pain Prevention

The shingles vaccine offers important benefits for seniors, protecting against complications that can significantly impact their health and quality of life.

Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

PHN is the most common complication of shingles, causing nerve pain that can last for months or years. Seniors are at higher risk for PHN, and the vaccine can reduce this risk by about 90%.

Reducing Risk of Eye Complications

Shingles near the eye, called herpes zoster ophthalmicus, can lead to inflammation, vision loss, and scarring. The vaccine helps prevent this by reducing shingles outbreaks.

Protecting Against Stroke and Heart Attack

Studies indicate a link between shingles vaccination and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, with protection lasting up to eight years. This protective effect is thought to be due to the prevention of inflammation caused by the virus.

Lowering Dementia Risk

Preliminary research suggests the shingles vaccine may also help lower the risk of developing dementia. A study found that vaccinated older adults were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a seven-year period.

Comparison of Shingles Vaccines (Shingrix vs. Zostavax)

For a comparison of Shingrix and the discontinued Zostavax, including vaccine type, availability, age recommendations, efficacy, and duration of protection, please refer to {Link: NCOA website https://www.ncoa.org/article/is-there-a-free-shingles-vaccine-for-seniors-heres-what-you-should-know/}.

What to Expect with the Shingrix Vaccine

The Shingrix vaccine is administered as two shots in the upper arm muscle. Side effects are common but usually mild to moderate and temporary, lasting only a few days. These can include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and fever.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Why Seniors Need the Shingles Vaccine

There is strong evidence supporting the importance of shingles vaccination for seniors. It offers highly effective protection against a painful rash and serious long-term complications like PHN. Shingrix provides superior and lasting protection with potential added benefits for heart and brain health. The vaccine is accessible and a crucial step for older adults to maintain their health.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/index.html
• Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/shingles-shots

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should seniors get the shingles vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all healthy adults aged 50 and older receive the two-dose Shingrix vaccine. For adults aged 19 and older who have a weakened immune system, the vaccine is also recommended.

Can you get the shingles vaccine if you have already had shingles?

Yes, even if you have had shingles before, the CDC recommends getting the Shingrix vaccine to prevent future occurrences. You should wait until the shingles rash has fully cleared up before getting vaccinated.

What is the difference between the Shingrix and Zostavax vaccines?

Shingrix is the current, more effective vaccine, while Zostavax was an older, less potent vaccine that was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020. Shingrix provides over 90% protection and is recommended even for those who previously received Zostavax.

Is the shingles vaccine safe for seniors?

Yes, Shingrix is considered safe and effective. While side effects like soreness, fatigue, and headache are common for a few days, severe reactions are very rare.

Does Medicare cover the cost of the shingles vaccine?

Yes. As of 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act eliminated out-of-pocket costs for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, including Shingrix, for people with Medicare Part D.

What if a senior doesn't remember having chickenpox?

You should still get the shingles vaccine. The CDC estimates that more than 99% of Americans aged 40 and older have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember it.

How long does the protection from the shingles vaccine last?

The Shingrix vaccine provides strong, long-lasting protection for at least seven years, and potentially longer. Studies are ongoing to determine its full duration of effectiveness.