Does Chickenpox Vaccine Help Against Shingles?
The chickenpox vaccine, Varivax, does offer some protection against shingles. While it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely, it significantly reduces the chances of developing this painful condition by decreasing the likelihood of contracting chickenpox in the first place, and subsequently, the dormant virus reactivating as shingles.
Understanding Chickenpox and Shingles
Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox is the initial infection, usually occurring in childhood. After the chickenpox rash resolves, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is the reactivation of this dormant virus later in life. The reactivation causes a painful rash, often with blisters, typically on one side of the body.
How the Chickenpox Vaccine Works
The chickenpox vaccine, Varivax, is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the VZV virus. When administered, it stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies provide protection against developing chickenpox. If a vaccinated individual is exposed to VZV, their immune system is already primed to fight off the virus, reducing the severity or preventing the infection altogether.
Does Chickenpox Vaccine Help Against Shingles? A Closer Look
The primary way the chickenpox vaccine helps against shingles is by preventing the initial chickenpox infection. If someone never gets chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus cannot become dormant in their system and cannot reactivate later as shingles. Therefore, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of shingles. Studies have shown that children who receive the chickenpox vaccine are much less likely to develop shingles compared to those who contracted chickenpox naturally. While the exact percentage varies depending on the study, the consensus is a significant reduction in shingles risk.
Benefits of the Chickenpox Vaccine in Reducing Shingles Risk
The benefits extend beyond just preventing chickenpox. Here’s a breakdown:
- Reduced Risk of Chickenpox: The vaccine is highly effective in preventing chickenpox.
- Lower Risk of Shingles: By preventing chickenpox, the vaccine reduces the reservoir of the virus available for reactivation.
- Milder Shingles Cases: Even if a vaccinated individual develops shingles, the symptoms are often milder and shorter in duration.
- Reduced Complications: Less severe shingles cases typically result in fewer complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain that can persist long after the shingles rash has healed.
The Shingles Vaccine: A Separate Consideration
It’s crucial to differentiate the chickenpox vaccine from the shingles vaccine. While the chickenpox vaccine helps prevent initial VZV infection, the shingles vaccine is specifically designed to boost immunity against the reactivated virus in adults. There are two main types of shingles vaccines available: Shingrix and Zostavax. Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine, while Zostavax was a live-attenuated vaccine (no longer available in the US). Shingrix is the preferred vaccine due to its higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection.
Common Misconceptions About Chickenpox and Shingles Vaccines
Several misconceptions surround these vaccines. Here are a few common ones:
- Myth: The chickenpox vaccine guarantees you’ll never get shingles. Reality: It significantly reduces the risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
- Myth: The shingles vaccine is only for people who had severe chickenpox. Reality: It’s recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, regardless of whether they remember having chickenpox. Most adults have been exposed to VZV, even if they don’t recall a chickenpox infection.
- Myth: If you’ve already had shingles, you don’t need the shingles vaccine. Reality: You can get shingles more than once, and the vaccine helps prevent recurrence.
Comparing Chickenpox and Shingles Vaccines
Here’s a simple comparison table:
| Feature | Chickenpox Vaccine (Varivax) | Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Children and susceptible adults | Adults aged 50 years and older |
| Primary Goal | Prevent chickenpox | Prevent shingles |
| Virus Type | Live-attenuated | Non-live recombinant |
| Effectiveness | High for preventing chickenpox | Very high for preventing shingles and PHN |
| Dosing Schedule | Two doses | Two doses |
Vaccination Schedules and Recommendations
The recommended chickenpox vaccination schedule is two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. For adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated, two doses should be administered 4 to 8 weeks apart. Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. It is recommended for all adults aged 50 years and older, even if they’ve had shingles before or received the Zostavax vaccine.
Addressing Concerns About Vaccine Safety
Both the chickenpox and shingles vaccines have been extensively studied and are considered safe and effective. Common side effects are usually mild and may include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare. It’s important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for most individuals.
Resources for More Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov
- Your healthcare provider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I had chickenpox as a child, does getting the chickenpox vaccine now help prevent shingles?
No, the chickenpox vaccine is not given to people who have already had chickenpox. The vaccine is designed to prevent the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus. If you’ve already had chickenpox, you should consider getting the shingles vaccine when you reach the recommended age (50 years and older).
Is the shingles vaccine a booster shot for the chickenpox vaccine?
No, the shingles vaccine is not a booster for the chickenpox vaccine. They are different vaccines designed for different purposes. The chickenpox vaccine prevents chickenpox, while the shingles vaccine boosts immunity against the reactivated varicella-zoster virus.
How effective is the chickenpox vaccine in preventing chickenpox?
The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective. Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing chickenpox. Even if a vaccinated person gets chickenpox, the symptoms are usually mild.
Can I get shingles from the chickenpox vaccine?
It is extremely rare to get shingles from the chickenpox vaccine. Because it’s a live-attenuated vaccine, there is a theoretical risk of the weakened virus reactivating, but this is exceedingly uncommon, especially compared to the risk of shingles after natural chickenpox infection.
Does getting the chickenpox vaccine guarantee I won’t get shingles?
No, the chickenpox vaccine significantly reduces the risk, but it doesn’t guarantee complete protection against shingles. While you’re less likely to get shingles if vaccinated against chickenpox, other factors, such as age and immune status, can influence your risk. It is crucial to understand that Does Chickenpox Vaccine Help Against Shingles? is best answered with “significantly, but not entirely”.
What are the risk factors for developing shingles?
The main risk factors for developing shingles include: older age (especially 50 years and older), a weakened immune system (due to illness or medications), and having had chickenpox. The risk increases significantly with age.
How is shingles treated?
Shingles is typically treated with antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Pain relievers may also be used to manage the pain associated with shingles.
What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic nerve pain that can occur after a shingles outbreak. It’s caused by damage to the nerves from the varicella-zoster virus. PHN can be severe and debilitating.
Is the shingles vaccine covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover the shingles vaccine. However, coverage can vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.
Can the shingles vaccine prevent postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?
Yes, the shingles vaccine, particularly Shingrix, is highly effective in preventing PHN. By preventing shingles, it also reduces the risk of developing this painful complication.
If I can’t remember if I had chickenpox, should I get the chickenpox vaccine or the shingles vaccine?
If you can’t remember if you had chickenpox, it’s generally recommended to get the shingles vaccine when you reach age 50. Most adults have been exposed to VZV, even if they don’t recall having chickenpox. A blood test can also determine if you have immunity to varicella-zoster virus.
Why is Shingrix preferred over Zostavax?
Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax because it is more effective in preventing shingles and PHN, and its protection lasts longer. Shingrix is also a non-live vaccine, making it safer for people with weakened immune systems. Zostavax is no longer available in the US as of November 2020.