Is the second shingles shot worse than the first one?

Dear J.G.: Compared with the previous one-time vaccine Zostavax, the new two-dose Shingrix vaccine is much more effective. However, it does have a higher risk of side effects. You have had the most common side effect, though only 10 percent of people will have symptoms as bad as yours.

Is a second shingles shot necessary?

If you’re 50 or older, get Shingrix Get Shingrix even if you already had shingles, because you can get the disease more than once. Your risk of shingles and complications increases as you age. You need 2 doses of Shingrix. Get the second dose 2 to 6 months after you get the first dose.

Should I get the new shingles vaccine if I had the old one?

“People who had the old vaccine will benefit from getting the new one,” Hrncir said. “Also, shingles can recur. So even if you’ve already had shingles, get the new vaccine.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, offers advice about those who should not get the new vaccine.

Do you need to retake shingles vaccine?

The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix.

Is shingles worse the second time?

In general, the research suggests that your risk of getting shingles a second time is about the same as the risk you had of getting shingles the first time. The amount of time between the first case of shingles and a recurrence has not been well-researched.

How many years does Shingrix last?

The research, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, shows that Shingrix offers protection for up to four years, but Professor Cunningham believes it will last much longer. “The second dose of the vaccine is important to ensure long-term protection,” Professor Cunningham said.

What are the chances of getting shingles twice?

“The risk of getting shingles again, once you already have it, is about one in three,” says Barbara Yawn, MD, director of research at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minn. “That’s about the same chance of getting shingles once in your lifetime.”

How many times can you get shingles vaccine?

CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine), separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.

Does Shingrix need to be repeated?

The recommended interval between Shingrix doses is 2 to 6 months. The minimum interval between doses of Shingrix is 4 weeks. If the second dose is given less than 4 weeks after the first dose the second dose should be repeated at least 8 weeks after the invalid dose.

How many times can you get the shingles vaccine?