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Does Zoster Vaccine Prevent Recurrent Shingles?

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Question: If I have had the shingles vaccine, can I still get shingles?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Current vaccine is approximately 50% effective

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes, unfortunately it is still possible to get shingles after having been vaccinated with the currently available shingles vaccine (Zostavax).

The existing shingles vaccine cuts the risk of a shingles outbreak by approximately a half (so 50% fewer people develop shingles) and it's effectiveness wanes within 5 years.

There is a newer, experimental shingles vaccine that is more effective and lasts longer. Here is an article about it. It looks like the company that will manufacture is submitting request for regulation for it, so it may be available soon (perhaps the next year, although I don't know how long that process will take).

If this link does not show up in a blue color, copy and paste it in to your address bar and it should work:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/868816#vp_2

Can I help with any further information?
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Does Zoster Vaccine Prevent Recurrent Shingles?

Brief Answer: Current vaccine is approximately 50% effective Detailed Answer: Hello, Yes, unfortunately it is still possible to get shingles after having been vaccinated with the currently available shingles vaccine (Zostavax). The existing shingles vaccine cuts the risk of a shingles outbreak by approximately a half (so 50% fewer people develop shingles) and it's effectiveness wanes within 5 years. There is a newer, experimental shingles vaccine that is more effective and lasts longer. Here is an article about it. It looks like the company that will manufacture is submitting request for regulation for it, so it may be available soon (perhaps the next year, although I don't know how long that process will take). If this link does not show up in a blue color, copy and paste it in to your address bar and it should work: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/868816#vp_2 Can I help with any further information?