SHINGLES

Shingles vaccine | Coverage against Herpes Zoster >90%

What is shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful disease that can cause a blistering rash that results in severe pain that has the potential to linger.
The shingles rash usually occurs on one side of the body, such as the face, neck or torso.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime.

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus. The shingles virus, also called the varicella zoster virus, is the same one that causes chickenpox.
As we age, our immune system naturally weakens. As a result, the shingles virus can be reactivated, increasing the risk of developing shingles.
If you are among the 90 % of Danish adults over 50 who have had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already inside you.

Symptoms of Shingles?

Shingles can result in a painful blister that can last for several weeks. The pain can be severe and can interfere with everyday activities, such as dressing, walking and sleeping.
Shingles can lead to serious complications, such as chronic nerve pain (also called postherpetic neuralgia or PHN), which can last for months or even years.
Other symptoms may include: 

  • The burning, numbness or tingling in the skin
  • Sensitivity / pain to touch
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vision problems
  • Hearing loss
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Billede af klassisk Helvedesild / Herpes Zoster
Image of classic Shingles / Herpes Zoster (source: sundhed.dk) The frequency and severity of the disease is highest in people aged ≥50 years.

We offer vaccination with the vaccine Shringrix

SHINGRIX is a completely new vaccine in Denmark (October 2021) that helps protect against shingles, much more effectively than the previous vaccine Zostavax. The vaccine, unlike the previous one, is not live weakened, and can therefore be given to most people, and also those who are immunocompromised have a greater risk of outbreaks of shingles. People previously vaccinated with Zostavax may also be offered Shringrix.

You will receive two doses 2 to 6 months apart.
To maximize the protection that Shingrix offers, it is important that you get both doses.
Shingrix is approved for use in people age 50 and older to help the body build protection against shingles, regardless of advancing age. In addition, the vaccine can be used for people aged 18-49 if there is an underlying disease or treatment that increases the risk of developing shingles.

In clinical trials, Shingrix has been shown to be >90% effective in preventing shingles in people 50 years of age and older.