Vaccination

Shingles is a disease that occurs in people who have previously been infected with the chickenpox virus. The virus remains dormant in the body, mainly in the nervous system, and can later become active. The disease most commonly occurs in older adults (from the age of 50) and affects approximately 10–20% of the population. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

The shingles virus spreads from the blisters or ulcers of an infected person through contact with a healthy person. The virus travels through the nerves and appears on the skin as a rash, often limited to one or more skin areas.

When the virus reactivates, symptoms begin to appear, which are usually nerve pain and a rash. The rash can develop on the chest, face, or other parts of the body. The vaccine helps reduce the incidence and complications of the disease.

Vaccination is done with the Shingrix vaccine, which requires two doses. The second dose should be given two months after the first dose. The vaccine is suitable for people aged 18 and over.

Vaccination is beneficial for people with chronic diseases, but it is not recommended for people with cell-mediated immunity deficiency, those who have had allergic reactions to the vaccine, or those who have recently used antiviral medications for herpes.