SHINGLES (SHINGRIX)
KEY POINTS
1. Shingles is a viral infection by Herpes zoster (reactivated chickenpox virus from childhood), starting at a nerve root and progressing along the length of the nerve and its overlying skin.
2. Post-herpetic (shingles) nerve pain (neuralgia) can be severe for weeks – many months (20%).
3. All who have had chickenpox (varicella virus) are at risk for this re-activation disease.
4. Vaccine effectiveness,
a. 90% decreased shingles risk
b. 85-90% decreased post-herpetic neuralgia
5. Vaccine Targets,
a. Prior history of shingles (at least 1yr prior)
b. 50yrs of age or older
c. ≥ 19 yrs-old with immune-compromising condition
Disease: Shingles is a viral infection by Herpes zoster (reactivated chickenpox virus from childhood), starting at a nerve root and progressing along the length of the nerve and its overlying skin.
This results in extremely painful neuritis (nerve inflammation) and blistering of the overlying skin in a linear pattern, along the path of the nerve.
Course: 3 – 5 weeks
Complications:
Post-herpetic (shingles) nerve pain (neuralgia) for weeks – many months (20%)
Disseminated (widespread) shingles in immune-compromised individuals
Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
Prevalence:
Universal: 1 of every 3 people will get shingles.
Most common in people over 50yrs-old: 68% of cases.
4% will get shingles a 2nd time; rarely, a 3rd time.
Transmission:
All who have had chickenpox (varicella virus) are at risk for this re-activation disease. However, Herpes zoster virus can be transmitted through the skin lesions to immune-compromised individuals.
Treatment:
Antiviral medications (Valtrex)
Steroid medication
Prevention: Vaccine (Shingrix)
1. Dose: Intramuscular
a. 1st dose= day 0; 2nd dose 2-6 mo. later
2. Effectiveness
a. 90% decreased shingles risk
b. 85-90% decreased post-herpetic neuralgia
3. Side-Effects
a. Most common are injection site regional tenderness, swelling, pain, itching, or headache. Transient injection site regional gland swelling is rare. Uncommonly, fatigue, weakness, fever.
4. Precautions/Contraindications
a. Avoid vaccination when moderately ill. (especially with fever)
b. Contraindications: Prior allergic reaction to vaccine
5. Vaccine Targets
a. Prior history of shingles (at least 1yr prior)
b. 50yrs of age or older
c. Anyone on immune-suppressant treatments or with diseases weakening the immune system.
6. Special Considerations
a. Shingrix can be administered concurrently with other vaccines.
Note: Shingrix is NOT a live vaccine.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Online: Schedule an Appointment.
Call Us: (713) 550-2000 A customer service representative will help you choose an appointment time, and can forward any documents you will need to complete.