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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. It usually occurs in people aged 50 or older or those with weakened immune systems. The virus remains in dormant nerve cells after chickenpox, and when the immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles, which spreads along the nerves to the skin or different parts of the body. This disease usually manifests as pain, itching, and a rash, which can last for weeks or months.
Studies show that about 98% of people in Hong Kong have had chickenpox, with one-third of them will probably experience shingles, making them one of the high-risk groups for shingles. In recent years, shingles has become more common among younger people, and psychological stress and lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system. Therefore, Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.
Shingrix has been proven to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN, providing outstanding and long-lasting protection against shingles. The vaccine consists of two doses, which should be administered 2 to 6 months apart to prevent shingles and its complications. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults aged 50 or older and those with weakened immune systems, regardless of whether they have had chickenpox in the past, should receive the new generation of shingles vaccine. If you have been vaccinated with the first-generation vaccine, since the protection will decrease over time, it is recommended to receive the new generation shingles vaccine as a booster.
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