How Does the Shingle Vaccine Work?
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Introduction to Shingles Vaccine
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The shingles vaccine is a more robust version of the chickenpox vaccine because shingles is essentially a reemergence of chickenpox. Therefore, the vaccine contains a weak strain of the chickenpox virus (the varicella virus), though this vaccine is concentrated at higher amounts than the chickenpox vaccine. As such, it is typically administered to those over age 60, because it is at this more advanced age that shingles typically strikes. This potent vaccine enables about 70 percent of vaccinated individuals to avoid contracting shingles.
How Vaccine Is Administered
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The vaccine is administered by a one-time injection. The doctor or nurse injects the vaccine into the upper arm, a process that takes several seconds and can cause a stinging sensation. Once the vaccine enters the body, the virus attempts to spread, which provokes a response from the immune system. That is, the body produces antibodies specific to the virus and overtakes it. When this occurs, the patient may experience mild symptoms of shingles, such as nerve pain (neuralgia), itchiness, nausea and fatigue. These symptoms usually dissipate in a day or two as the antibodies destroy the virus.
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The Aftermath
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This single, standard dose is meant to protect the patient from shingles for about four years. The antibodies produced during the initial attack of the vaccine virus will remain in the body during these four years. It depends on the natural strength of the patient's immune system whether these antibodies will be effective in preventing the shingles virus. Either way, the vaccine usually helps alleviate the symptoms of shingles should the condition strike the vaccinated person.
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