Prevention - Vaccination against shingles
Shingles usually resolves without consequences, but serious complications are quite common.
Vaccination against shingles can prevent the disease and its possible complications.
Immunocompetent individuals, who have already had shingles, can also be vaccinated.
Who should get vaccinated against shingles?
According to the Austrian vaccination schedule, vaccination against shingles is recommended:
for all persons from the age of 50 years and above
for people with a particularly high risk of getting shingles starting from the age of 18
Note: The Austrian social healthcare system does not cover the costs of adult vaccinations, which needs to be paid for privately. According to the Austrian vaccination recommendation, a complete immunisation requires two doses. It is recommended to seek advice from your physician.
Note: In certain medical cases, such as stem cell or organ transplantation, vaccination may be necessary as part of the treatment. In such cases, the attending physician can apply to the social insurance for coverage of the costs.
The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual’s risk profile
Risk groups should be vaccinated at an earlier age
For people with a particularly high risk of shingles (severe underlying diseases and/or severe immunosuppression), vaccination is recommended from the age of 18 years onwards.
Vaccination protects against shingles
The most important risk factor for the disease is age. The incidence of the disease increases significantly from the age of about 50, as the weakened immune system allows the varicella zoster virus to reactivate.
Vaccination enables the immune system to build up a defence against a specific pathogen, thus providing protection from infectious diseases. According to the Austrian vaccination schedule, vaccination against shingles is recommended:
- for all persons from the age of 50 years and above and
- for people with a particularly high risk of getting shingles starting from the age of 18
For more information on the vaccination against shingles, please contact your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can stress trigger shingles?
It is commonly anticipated that stress can trigger shingles. Negative stress or severe strain can weaken the immune system and pave the way for diseases like shingles. But even if you avoid stress, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, you can still get shingles. The most important risk factor is age.
Is shingles contagious?
Yes, shingles is contagious but only for people who have not had chickenpox yet. Direct contact with a blister of an active rash can spread the virus to a person who lacks immunity to it. This person will then develop chickenpox as the primary infection, but not shingles.
Can shingles be cured?
Shingles cannot be cured in the conventional sense. If it is diagnosed in time, antiviral treatment can mitigate the severity of the disease. However, in many cases treatment is limited to alleviating the symptoms by pain therapy. Once shingles has resolved, the virus remains dormant in the body and retracts into the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
Can people who have had herpes zoster receive a vaccination against shingles?
Individuals who have previously experienced shingles are eligible for vaccination.
Where can I get information about shingles vaccination?
Your physician can answer your questions and advise whether vaccination against shingles is recommended for you.
Am I at risk of developing shingles, if I have frequent cold sores?
There is no direct connection between fever blisters or cold sores and shingles, as they are caused by different viruses.
Can I get shingles more than once?
Every third person will develop shingles at some point in life, with some experiencing multiple occurrences. The level of personal risk is influenced by various factors, including comorbidities that may compromise the immune system. Ask your doctor about your personal risk.