What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that creates a rash that becomes very painful. Shingles is often appears on one side of the torso as a strip of blisters, however it can appear on any body part. The cause of shingles is a virus: varicella-zoster (also cau
ses chickenpox).
If you have had chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in your nerve tissue by your spinal cord and brain that can become reactive later in life as shingles.
Singles is not life threatening, but the rash is painful. At our pharmacy, we can help reduce the risk of shingles via a vaccine called Shingrix.
What is Shingrix?
Shingles Shot
Shingrix is a 2-dose vaccine that is given in the muscle in the upper arm. It is important that you receive both doses to help prevent outbreaks of the Shingles.
Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine for ages 50 years or older
Shingrix is not used to prevent the chickenpox
Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach are all common side effects.
Dosing
1st dose-can be given anytime (unless the patient has had LIVE Zostavax, must wait 8 weeks to receive the first dose)
2nd dose-needs to be given between weeks 2-6 after the initial dose
Keep in mind that early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. We are happy to deliver any medications you need. Immunizations are available for walk-ins or curb-side service.
Be Healthy!
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