Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Print Version

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The herpes zoster vaccine provides protection against shingles.

What is shingles?

When a person has chickenpox, some of the varicella-zoster virus stays in his/her body. This virus can “re-activate” in our bodies and cause Shingles, also called Herpes Zoster. Anyone who has had Chickenpox can develop Shingles, but it is most common in people over 50. The risk of getting shingles continues to go up as people get older.

Shingles is a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body or face. Up to 4 days before the rash, people can have pain, itching or tingling where the rash develops. The rash looks like blisters that scab after 3 to 5 days, and go away in 2 to 4 weeks. People with Shingles may also have a fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach.

People who have shingles cannot pass shingles on to other people. However, people with shingles can pass the varicella zoster virus on to people who have never had chickenpox before and give them chickenpox. This would happen by touching the shingles rash. People with Shingles can not spread the virus to others by sneezing, coughing or by touching shared surfaces.

Shingles can lead to more serious health problems including pneumonia (infection of the lungs), hearing problems, blindness, encephalitis (infection of the brain) or death. For 20% of people who have shingles, severe pain can continue and cause a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. This pain can be severe and last the rest of their life.

Who should get the vaccine?

While herpes zoster vaccine is currently not publicly funded (free) in Ontario, it can be purchased through your health care provider. The cost of the vaccine is $150-$200. Some health plans may cover the cost of the vaccine. To determine if this vaccine is covered by your drug plan, contact your provider and provide them with the product DIN: 02315939.

Herpes Zoster vaccine is recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for people 60 years and older. It is approved for use by Health Canada for those 50 years of age and older, but not yet officially recommended for this group.

How well does the vaccine work?

The herpes zoster vaccine prevents herpes zoster in 51-70% of those immunized and it prevents postherpetic neuralgia from developing in 67% of those who do develop herpes zoster.

It is not known at this time if booster doses will be needed to provide long term protection.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

Zostavax® contains: varicella-zoster virus, sucrose, hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium chloride, neomycin, bovine calf serum, MRC-5 cells.

• Anyone who is pregnant.
• Anyone with blood disorders or cancers affecting the bone marrow, blood or lymphatic system.
• Anyone with active untreated tuberculosis.
• Anyone with an impaired immune response.
• Anyone who recently received any blood product.
• Anyone who received a live vaccine or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the last month.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The herpes zoster vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Some people may also develop a lowgrade fever or a chickenpox like rash where the needle was given after immunization. Serious side effects are rare.

This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions.  Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

If you develop Shingles there may be treatment available. People can develop Shingles more than once in their life.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Crying for several hours
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, make sure that you update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.