Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirrotica
So is it true, that even if you get the vaccine you can still get the shingles? That happened to my mother, not a neighbors shirt tail relative. Her doctor said it's not 100% effective, but it is supposed to lessen the effects.
I'd like to know because both my parents have had shingles. I'm not at all opposed to taking it, just would like to know if it's possible I'd still get it, but at a reduced intensity.
Thanks for taking the time to address this.
|
Yes and yes. Her doctor is right.
I think the new vaccine reduces your chance of getting shingles by 90%.
Shingles (varicella zoster) comes from the Varicella (chicken pox) virus that we all had when we were kids. It sits dormant in your body for DECADES and then just decides out of the blue to show itself. Some say stress brings it out. Nobody knows. The vaccine alerts your immune system to be aware of the virus, so that if it shows it's head you have antibodies ready to kill it immediately.