Are shingles vaccines really necessary, or just a money-maker?

✓ Accepted answer

Shingles vaccines are genuinely necessary and highly recommended, not just a money-maker, especially for older adults who have already had shingles.

• Shingles can recur: While rare, shingles can happen more than once. Having had it once does not grant lifelong immunity against future episodes.
• Vaccine is far more effective than natural immunity: Shingrix (the preferred vaccine) prevents 90% of shingles cases and post-herpetic neuralgia (long-lasting pain) in people over 50, compared to 49% from the older Zostavax.
• It's a one-time booster: You only need two doses of Shingrix, spaced 2 to 6 months apart. This is far less frequent than annual flu shots and provides long-term protection.
• CDC and NIH strongly back it: The CDC, NIH, and American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend Shingrix for adults 50 and older, regardless of prior shingles history. It’s considered a standard, evidence-based preventive measure.
• Cost vs. complication risk: Shingles and its complications (like post-herpetic neuralgia, eye inflammation, or pneumonia) can be devastating and expensive. The vaccine’s cost is minimal compared to potential medical bills and reduced quality of life from pain or vision loss.
• Pharmacy push is justified: Pharmacies are often incentivized by insurance plans and public health campaigns to encourage vaccination. But the medical rationale is solid: it’s a safe, effective, and one-time way to dramatically reduce your risk of severe, chronic pain.

admin · 2026-10-02 08:11:00