The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease. The vaccine is called Shingrix, and you can get it at your Sterling pharmacy!

Now covered by Medicare Part D, Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles. According to the CDC, immunity stays strong for at least the first seven years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68 – 91 percent effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.

Here’s some additional information from the CDC on who should receive the Shingrix vaccination:

Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by two to six months. Adults 19 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix. If needed, people with weakened immune systems can get the second dose one to two months after the first.

You should get Shingrix even if you previously:

• Had shingles
• Received Zostavax*
• Received varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.

If you have additional questions about Shingrix or any other vaccinations, please give us a call.

*A shingles vaccine called zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) is no longer available for use in the United States as of November 18, 2020. If you had Zostavax in the past, you should still get Shingrix. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get Shingrix.