If you have already had shingles, you may wonder whether you can still benefit from the shingles vaccine. Having shingles in the past does not usually mean you cannot be vaccinated. In fact, vaccination can help reduce your risk of developing shingles again.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which remains in the body after you have had chickenpox. Although having shingles can provide some natural immunity, it is possible to have shingles more than once.
Can you have the shingles vaccine after having shingles?
Yes, you can have the shingles vaccine even if you have had shingles before, provided you are eligible for vaccination.
The NHS shingles vaccination programme is offered to certain older adults and people with a weakened immune system. Eligibility depends on your age and individual circumstances.
If you have previously had shingles, it is still worth discussing vaccination with your GP or pharmacist if you are eligible. The vaccine is designed to boost your immunity to the virus and reduce the likelihood of developing shingles in the future.
How long should you wait after having shingles?
If you currently have shingles, you should generally wait until the rash has gone and your symptoms have settled before having the vaccination.
There is no single waiting period that applies to everyone after an episode of shingles, so it is sensible to speak to a healthcare professional about the appropriate timing.
If you have recently recovered from shingles and are eligible for vaccination, your pharmacist or GP can advise you on when it would be suitable to have your vaccination.
Can you get shingles twice?
Yes. Although having shingles once gives you some additional immunity, it does not guarantee that you will never develop it again.
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, becomes active again. It can happen at any age, although the risk generally increases with age and is higher in people with weakened immune systems.
For some people, shingles can be particularly unpleasant. It may cause a painful rash, itching, tingling or burning sensations. In some cases, nerve pain can continue after the rash has disappeared. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia.
Reducing the risk of another episode is therefore one reason why vaccination can still be worthwhile after you have already had shingles.
Why does the shingles vaccine matter if you have already had shingles?
The main benefit is additional protection against future shingles. Shingles can be painful and, for some people, complications can last for months or longer.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is one of the most common complications and causes persistent nerve pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred.
The risk of complications increases with age, which is one reason the NHS shingles vaccination programme focuses on older adults and people who are at increased risk.
Vaccination does not guarantee that you will never develop shingles, but it can significantly reduce your risk.
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
The NHS shingles vaccination programme has specific eligibility criteria. In England, the routine programme includes people who reach the relevant age threshold, while people with severely weakened immune systems may become eligible at a younger age.
The exact eligibility rules can vary due a phased lowering of the eligibility age from 70 down to 60, so if you are unsure whether you qualify, check with your GP, pharmacist or the NHS.
It is particularly important to ask about vaccination if you have a condition or are receiving treatment that affects your immune system.
Is the shingles vaccine the same as the chickenpox vaccine?
No. Although both vaccines relate to the same virus, they are used for different purposes.
The chickenpox vaccine is designed to protect against chickenpox, while the shingles vaccine is intended to help protect people who are already carrying the varicella-zoster virus from developing shingles.
Most adults who have had chickenpox carry the virus in their nervous system, where it can remain inactive for many years.
What should you do if you have already had shingles?
If you have had shingles before and are wondering whether you should be vaccinated, check whether you are eligible and ask a healthcare professional about the appropriate timing.
Your pharmacist can answer questions about the shingles vaccine, including whether you are eligible, when you can have it and whether there are any reasons vaccination may not be suitable for you.