After chickenpox clears, the varicella zoster virus doesn’t actually leave the body. It remains dormant in the nervous system and, years or even decades later, can reactivate as shingles.
Shingles usually begins with pain, tingling, itching or sensitivity in one area, followed by a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face. And this is where shingles can be more than skin deep. For some people, the nerve pain can continue long after the rash has healed. This is called postherpetic neuralgia, and the likelihood of complications increases with age.
The good news? Shingles is preventable.
Shingrix is the shingles vaccine recommended for adults aged 50 and over, as well as certain people who are immunocompromised. For most people, it is given as two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.
Shingrix is funded through the National Immunisation Program for eligible Australians, including everyone aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and certain people aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised. And if you’ve already had shingles, vaccination may still be recommended. Having it once doesn’t mean you can’t have it again.
Healthy ageing isn’t just about adding years. It’s about protecting the quality of them.
If you’re 50+, give our team a call to discuss whether the shingles vaccine is right for you.
