What is Herpes Zoster?
Herpes zoster, also known as “shingles,” is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that remains dormant in the nervous system after chickenpox infection. It presents with intense pain and a localized blister-like rash. It can cause serious complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, especially in older adults.
Why is the shingles vaccine important?
Getting vaccinated against shingles significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease and its complications. The vaccine does not eliminate the virus completely but lowers the chance of reactivation and reduces the severity of symptoms if infection occurs.
Main available vaccines
There are two recognized vaccines against shingles:
- Zostavax: a live attenuated vaccine. It was given as a single dose but has lost importance because its effectiveness decreases with age and over time.
- Shingrix: a non-live recombinant vaccine with an adjuvant. It requires two doses spaced 2 to 6 months apart. It is recommended by the CDC and other international guidelines because of its higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection.
Differences between Shingrix and Zostavax
- Composition: Zostavax contains live attenuated virus; Shingrix contains virus proteins plus an adjuvant that boosts immune response.
- Efficacy: Shingrix provides more than 90% protection, even in people over 70; Zostavax efficacy drops in this group.
- Duration: Shingrix maintains high efficacy for at least 10 years, while Zostavax declines significantly after 5 years.
- Safety: Shingrix is safe in people with mild to moderate immunosuppression, while Zostavax is contraindicated in immunocompromised patients.
Who should get vaccinated?
- Adults 50 years and older, even if they have had shingles before.
- People with risk factors such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or mild immunosuppression.
Who should not get vaccinated?
- People with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine.
- Zostavax: contraindicated in severely immunocompromised people and pregnant women.
- Shingrix: not recommended during an active shingles episode.
Dosing schedule
- Zostavax: single subcutaneous dose. Currently of limited use.
- Shingrix: two intramuscular doses, spaced 2 to 6 months apart.
You can also review the official vaccination schedule from the Mexican Ministry of Health.
Best time to get vaccinated
- Not during an active shingles outbreak. Wait until complete recovery.
- After shingles infection, international guidelines recommend waiting at least 6 months before receiving Shingrix.
- For prevention, the vaccine can be given without a previous shingles episode.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and temporary:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Low-grade fever, muscle aches, or fatigue in the first days.
- Rarely, severe allergic reactions.
Cities where we offer the Shingles vaccine
At Doctor At Home México, we provide home vaccination services in:
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas
- San José del Cabo
- Mazatlán
- Culiacán
- Guadalajara
- Chapala
- Morelia
- San Luis Potosí
- Cuernavaca
- Mexico City
- State of Mexico
- Puebla
- Mérida
- Cozumel
- Playa del Carmen
- Cancún
- Monterrey
Schedule your Shingles vaccine today
Protect your health and prevent complications. To book your vaccination, visit our web menu and fill out the corresponding form.