Vaccination

Protect Yourself against Shingles

Almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. And, older people are at a greater risk for developing shingles.

The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles is to get vaccinated.

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in 2006 to reduce the risk of shingles and its associated pain in people age 60 years and older.

Your risk for developing shingles increases as you age. The Shingles Prevention Study involved individuals age 60 years and older and found the shingles vaccine significantly reduced disease in this age group. The vaccine is currently recommended for persons 60 years of age and older. Even people who have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

Shingles vaccine is available in pharmacies and doctor's offices. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions about shingles vaccine.

At this time, CDC does not have a recommendation for routine use of shingles vaccine in persons 50 through 59 years old. However, the vaccine is approved by FDA for people in this age group.

What You Need to Know about the Shingles Vaccine

Herpes Zoster Vaccine Resources for Health Care Professionals

Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) (2 pages, 132 KB)
Prevention of Herpes Zoster: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) (6 June 2008/57(05);1-30)
Vaccine-related resources

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