From Seattletimes · · 50s
Doctor Mistaken About Shingles Vaccine
Doctor says 65-year-old with past chickenpox doesn't need shingles vaccine.
In brief
Doctor says 65-year-old with past chickenpox doesn't need shingles vaccine. A 65-year-old with chickenpox history may need shingles vaccine despite long-term immunity. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Reader's chickenpox history
A 65-year-old with chickenpox history says their doctor says they don't need shingles vaccine.
“When I was 38 years old, I had chickenpox for the first time”
Doctor's position on vaccine
Doctor claims 65-year-old has long-term immunity from chickenpox and doesn't need shingles vaccine.
“My primary doctor says I don’t need the shingles vaccine because I would still have immunity from almost 30 years ago”
CDC vaccine recommendations
CDC recommends Shingrix vaccine for shingles prevention in adults, 95% effective at preventing outbreaks.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the Shingrix vaccine to protect people from serious complications of shingles”
Vaccine benefits
Shingrix vaccine may modestly reduce dementia risk in older adults, according to CDC research.
“The vaccine may also modestly reduce the risk for developing dementia in old age”
Reader's concern
Reader asks if they need shingles vaccine despite having chickenpox history and long-term immunity.
“Do you agree that I don’t need the shingles vaccine?”
Recommended action
Reader should seek second opinion or check CDC recommendations for shingles vaccine.
“You may wish to seek a second opinion or ask your doctor to check the CDC’s recommendations”
The big picture
A 65-year-old with chickenpox history may need shingles vaccine despite long-term immunity.
