# Doctor Mistaken About Shingles Vaccine

> Doctor says 65-year-old with past chickenpox doesn't need shingles vaccine.
- Title: Doctor Mistaken About Shingles Vaccine · Seattletimes
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: chickenpox, shingles, shingles vaccine, varicella-zoster virus, cdc, shingrix, immunity, vaccination, news, local, Doctor, Mistaken
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/life/wellness/doctor-mistaken-about-who-needs-a-shingles-shot
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chickenpox, shingles, shingles vaccine, varicella-zoster virus, cdc, shingrix, immunity, vaccination, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

A 65-year-old with chickenpox history may need shingles vaccine despite long-term immunity.