Do You Get Shingles From the Chickenpox Vaccine?
The short answer is no, you generally do not get shingles from the chickenpox vaccine. In fact, the chickenpox vaccine can actually reduce your risk of developing shingles. However, there are nuanced situations that merit further discussion.
Understanding the Chickenpox and Shingles Connection
The viruses that cause chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus, or VZV) and shingles (herpes zoster) are one and the same. After you recover from chickenpox, VZV remains dormant in your nerve cells. Years later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles, a painful rash usually appearing on one side of the body. The reactivation is often associated with weakened immunity due to aging, stress, or certain medical conditions.
How Chickenpox Vaccines Work
There are two main types of vaccines involving VZV:
- Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox Vaccine): This vaccine, typically known as Varivax, contains a weakened (attenuated) form of the VZV virus. It’s given to children and adults who have never had chickenpox.
- Zoster Vaccine (Shingles Vaccine): This vaccine is specifically designed to prevent shingles. Two shingles vaccines are currently available in the United States: Shingrix (recombinant vaccine) and Zostavax (live attenuated vaccine, no longer available). Shingrix is the preferred vaccine.
The Chickenpox Vaccine and Shingles Risk
The varicella vaccine can decrease the likelihood of developing shingles, compared to having had wild-type chickenpox. The attenuated virus in the vaccine can also become dormant, and reactivate to cause shingles in rare instances, but the risk is significantly lower compared to the reactivation following a natural chickenpox infection.
Think of it this way: your body gets a head start learning how to fight VZV, reducing the chances of a strong reactivation later in life. The Shingrix vaccine is even more effective at preventing shingles as it boosts immunity directly to the VZV virus, rather than introducing a live attenuated version.
What About Adults Who Received the Chickenpox Vaccine as Children?
Adults who received the chickenpox vaccine as children can still develop shingles, but the risk is generally considered lower than for those who had chickenpox. The immunity from the vaccine can wane over time, particularly without booster shots. This is why shingles vaccination is recommended for adults age 50 and older, regardless of whether they had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine.
Key Differences: Chickenpox Infection vs. Chickenpox Vaccine
Here’s a table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | Chickenpox Infection (Wild-Type) | Chickenpox Vaccine (Varivax) |
|---|---|---|
| Virus Strain | Natural, Active | Weakened, Attenuated |
| Shingles Risk | Higher | Lower |
| Severity of Illness | Typically More Severe | Usually Milder |
| Duration of Immunity | May be more durable | May wane over time |
Shingrix: The Preferred Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine, meaning it contains a specific protein from the shingles virus, rather than a weakened virus. This vaccine offers stronger and longer-lasting protection against shingles compared to Zostavax, the older live vaccine.
Shingrix is given in two doses, several months apart. Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and fever. These side effects are generally mild and resolve within a few days.
Factors Influencing Shingles Risk
Several factors can influence your risk of developing shingles:
- Age: The risk increases with age.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, organ transplant) increase the risk.
- Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
The CDC recommends Shingrix for:
- Adults age 50 years and older, regardless of whether they had chickenpox or previously received the Zostavax vaccine.
- Adults who are unsure if they’ve had chickenpox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get shingles right after getting the chickenpox vaccine?
Generally, no. While the varicella vaccine does contain a weakened version of the virus, the risk of developing shingles shortly after vaccination is extremely low. Any rash that appears soon after vaccination is more likely a mild vaccine reaction, not shingles.
Is it possible to spread shingles from the chickenpox vaccine to someone else?
It’s theoretically possible, but highly unlikely. Because the vaccine contains an attenuated virus, there is a very small chance that the virus could be shed and infect someone who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine. However, this is extremely rare.
Does the chickenpox vaccine guarantee I will never get shingles?
No, the chickenpox vaccine does not guarantee complete protection against shingles. It significantly reduces the risk, but the immunity can wane over time, and the virus can still reactivate in some individuals.
I already had shingles. Should I still get the chickenpox vaccine?
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is not used to prevent shingles. You should get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), even if you’ve had shingles before. This will help prevent future occurrences.
What is the difference between Zostavax and Shingrix?
Zostavax was a live attenuated vaccine, while Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine. Shingrix is more effective and provides longer-lasting protection against shingles and is the preferred vaccine. Zostavax is no longer available in the United States.
If I had Zostavax, should I get Shingrix?
Yes. The CDC recommends that adults who previously received Zostavax should get Shingrix. You can get Shingrix even if you have previously had Zostavax.
Are there any contraindications for the shingles vaccine (Shingrix)?
Shingrix is not recommended for individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix or any of its components. It’s also generally avoided in individuals with acute illness (wait until they recover). You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Can the shingles vaccine cause chickenpox?
Shingrix, the currently recommended shingles vaccine, cannot cause chickenpox because it does not contain a live virus. The older Zostavax vaccine, however, could theoretically cause a mild case of chickenpox, but this was extremely rare.
What are the side effects of the shingles vaccine?
Common side effects of Shingrix include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, and shivering. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and resolve within a few days.
Does stress increase my risk of getting shingles, even if I had the chickenpox vaccine?
Yes, chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase your risk of shingles reactivation, even if you received the chickenpox vaccine. Managing stress through healthy lifestyle choices is important.
Who is most at risk for shingles?
The elderly population and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Do You Get Shingles From the Chickenpox Vaccine – is it more common in certain populations?
As mentioned, it is uncommon to contract shingles from the chickenpox vaccine. However, some studies have shown that while overall the risk is significantly lower, those who have weakened immune systems may have a very slightly elevated risk of shingles after receiving either the chickenpox vaccine or the Zostavax shingles vaccine (though Shingrix is not a live vaccine and does not carry this risk.) This further underlines the importance of Shingrix for immune-compromised individuals aged 50 or more.
It is extremely important to discuss individual risk factors and vaccination options with your doctor. This article provides general information, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.