Shingles vaccine recommended

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November 14, 2018 - 11:21 AM

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 58-year-old male who has never had chickenpox. Ten years ago, after bloodwork to confirm no exposure to chickenpox, my doctor gave me the required two sets of the chickenpox vaccine in order to build immunity.

My question is this: Since you can get shingles only if you have had chickenpox in the past, should I consider getting the new Shingrix vaccine? Or would this be a waste of money? I also should say that I am HIV positive for 22 years with no symptoms, and no opportunistic infections. — B.D.

 

Answer: Unfortunately, people who have not had chickenpox but who have had the varicella vaccine (the live vaccine usually given to children to prevent chickenpox) still may get shingles. The risk is low: For every 50 people given the varicella vaccine, about one person will get shingles in 20 years. However, the risk in someone with HIV infection would be expected to be somewhat higher, even in someone who has been as well-controlled as you have.

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