Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is shingles, and how can SHINGRIX help protect against it?

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    Shingles is an itchy and painful skin rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). SHINGRIX works to boost your body’s protection against shingles. It is the only shingles vaccine proven to be greater than 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older in clinical trials.

  • I feel healthy; am I really at risk for shingles?

    99% of adults over 50 years old are at risk for shingles

    If you’re one of the 99% of adults 50 years and older who have had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is inside your body and can reactivate at any time. 1 in every 3 people in the US will get shingles in their lifetime. No matter how healthy you feel, your immune system declines as you age, and that puts you at an increased risk for shingles.

  • Does my risk of shingles increase as I get older?

    1 in 3 people will get shingles

    Yes. Even if you feel healthy, your immune system declines as you age, and that puts you at an increased risk for shingles. According to the CDC, a person's risk for shingles increases sharply after 50 years of age. 1 out of 3 people in the US will get shingles in their lifetime.

  • Is shingles contagious?

    Shingles is not contagious, but the virus can be spread from a person with active shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox – or who never received the chickenpox vaccine. In this case, the person exposed to the virus might develop chickenpox. The virus can spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters of the shingles rash. Once the shingles blisters have developed crusts, they’re no longer contagious.

  • Is SHINGRIX covered by my insurance?

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    Most insurance plans cover SHINGRIX. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.

    Get more information about coverage.

  • How effective is SHINGRIX?

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    SHINGRIX is the only shingles vaccine proven to be greater than 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older in clinical trials.

  • How many shots of SHINGRIX do I need to receive, and when?

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    SHINGRIX is given as a 2-dose series, with the second shot administered 2 to 6 months after the first shot. It’s important to receive both shots of SHINGRIX. If you’ve already had your first dose, sign up for voice, email, and text reminders for your second dose.

  • How will I feel after each shot?

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    Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach are all common side effects of SHINGRIX. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage injection-site pain.

  • Can I receive SHINGRIX while pregnant or nursing?

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    SHINGRIX was not studied in pregnant or nursing women. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.