Q: I am going through my first case of shingles. It has been a month since I was diagnosed, even before the rash appeared. Will the shingles vaccine help prevent any future outbreaks in my case (I’m a 75-year-old woman)?
A: The vaccine for shingles, Zostavax, will not treat your current shingles outbreak. In clinical trials of this medication it was found that in patients (like yourself) who have already had an outbreak of shingles, taking Zostavax did indeed help to prevent future outbreaks.
So, what is the take-home message? Yes, after your shingles rash has gone away, you should get the Zostavax vaccine. This is the current recommendation by the FDA in patients older than 60.
— Answer from Dr. Rick, a physician on JustAnswer.
Daily Answer is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided by a Expert on JustAnswer.
