Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine)

Shingles, commonly known as “herpes zoster”, is a painful disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles can affect people of all ages, but is especially common in middle-aged and older adults.

The pain caused by herpes zoster can last for 4 weeks. Sometimes, even if the skin is lightly touched, patient will feel severe pain, which seriously affects daily life and may also cause blindness or deafness. About 1 in 4 patients may experience post-herpetic neuralgia that lasts for months or years. Anyone who has been infected with chickenpox has a chance of getting herpes zoster.

Studies have found that people with diabetes have a risk of having herpes zoster, which is 2.4 times higher than the average person; and the risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia is also about 1.3 times higher than the average person.

People who had herpes zoster have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease. The risk of stroke and heart disease is highest in the first year after herpes zoster. Zoster vaccination is the most effective prevention!

The 2nd-generation herpes zoster vaccine is more effective than the 1st-generation in preventing herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia, and reducing the risk of other complications. If you have received the 1st-generation vaccine, it is recommended to receive the 2nd-generation as well.

✅Overall protection effectiveness up to 97%
✅The effective rate of preventing complications caused by herpes zoster is as high as 93%
✅The effective rate in preventing post-herpetic neuralgia is as high as 100%
✅Effective protection for 10 years

People recommended for vaccination:
– High-risk individuals aged 18 or above
– Aged 50 or above
– Chronically ill people
– People with diabetes
– People with low immune function
– People who have received Zoster vaccination
– People who have had herpes zoster 
– People who have been infected with COVID-19

Zoster vaccination can only be used for reducing the chance of recurrence and severity of the disease. Patients who have developed symptoms of herpes zoster should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and take medication according to the doctor’s instructions!

**This vaccine requires 2 doses to provide long-lasting protection, and the two doses are 2-6 months apart**