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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Shingles Vaccination Available For Adults?

I am 58 and not sure if I can get shingles vaccine yet--I had chickenpox as child and am in high risk job working with special needs preschoolers--one of which returned from vacation in Mexico with a case of chicken pox (scab stage so he had a Dr. note)--So am I at added risk??
Mon, 20 Apr 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Madam/Sir,
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

I appreciate your concern for the shingles and its prevention.

Since because of your job you are at a higher risk of exposure, vaccination is required to prevent complications such as pneumonia or, rarely, an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), both of which can be very serious in adults.

Although you had chicken pox as a child but since you are 58 yrs of age now, the immunity may not be strong enough to protect you against shingles.

So you should take two doses of the vaccine at least four weeks apart.

Hope this answers your query.
A feed back is appreciated.

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Is Shingles Vaccination Available For Adults?

Dear Madam/Sir, Thanks for posting your query on HCM. I appreciate your concern for the shingles and its prevention. Since because of your job you are at a higher risk of exposure, vaccination is required to prevent complications such as pneumonia or, rarely, an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), both of which can be very serious in adults. Although you had chicken pox as a child but since you are 58 yrs of age now, the immunity may not be strong enough to protect you against shingles. So you should take two doses of the vaccine at least four weeks apart. Hope this answers your query. A feed back is appreciated.