Shingles in the Elderly

Many adults assume that their inoculation days are long over, but keeping up with recommended vaccine schedules throughout our lives is just as important as the initial doses we received as children.

Anyone who had chicken pox growing up may develop shingles later in life. Painful resurgence of the zoster virus is common in people older than 60, but it can be prevented with a single shot.

Advanced age and a compromised immune system can make seniors more susceptible to shingles, a disease that affects the nerves and causes a painful, blistering skin rash.

Decreasing an aging loved one’s risk of contracting preventable yet potentially deadly diseases, such as Covid-19, flu or pneumonia, is as simple as getting a shot (or two). These are the CDC guidelines for senior vaccinations.