Do I Really Need the Shingles Vaccine?

A doctor’s advice on who needs the shot and why the virus is much worse than the side effects of the vaccine

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published June 01, 2026

I know I’m supposed to get the shingles vaccine, but since I’m sensitive to medications, I’m afraid of its side effects. Is there any way to avoid a bad reaction?

This is a question I hear all the time from patients and friends. Let me start with something that many people don’t realize. The shingles vaccine isn’t like most other vaccines that were developed to protect us from catching something in the future. It doesn’t work that way. If you had chickenpox as a child or even as an adult, and most of us have, you’re already carrying the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.

That virus has likely been living quietly in your body for decades, tucked away in certain nerves in your spine. Your immune system keeps it under control. But when your immune system gets weakened or distracted by illness, aging or major stress, the shingles virus can break free. And in my years practicing medicine, I’ve seen how miserable it can be.

For instance, one patient had shingles on the side of her face and lived with agonizing and debilitating pain long after the rash was gone. The current shingles vaccine called Shingrix, available since 2018, is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its complications for adults 50 and over who have had both shots in the two-dose series. That’s remarkable protection.

There are other reasons to consider the shingles vaccine. Recent studies report that people who received the vaccine had a lower risk of developing dementia. Researchers believe that preventing the shingles virus from reactivating may reduce inflammation and other biological processes affecting our brain as we age. Another recent study reported that the shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of serious cardiac events in people who have heart disease. While more research is underway, the current findings suggest the vaccine may offer benefits beyond preventing a blistering rash.

Now let’s talk about what you’re really worried about: side effects.

People often fear something catastrophic with the vaccine, but that’s extremely rare. In my experience, the most common reaction is a sore arm. The injection site may be red, swollen or tender. Some people feel a little fatigued or “washed out” for a day or two. After years of giving this vaccine to patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, I’ve seen very few people have more than temporary discomfort.

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Here’s another point that surprises people: Being sensitive to medications doesn’t reliably predict who will feel side effects. I’ve seen patients who worry a lot sail through the vaccine without a problem, while others who rarely react feel a little tired afterward. There’s simply no predictable pattern. Better news? You can take steps to make the experience easier.

First, plan ahead. Schedule the vaccine when you have a day or two without anything major on your calendar. Second, treat the arm kindly. A cold compress or ice pack can reduce soreness and swelling. Third, keep moving your arm. Gentle movement often helps reduce stiffness. Fourth, consider acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you develop discomfort. I recommend skipping ibuprofen (Advil) before the shot, because it can increase bruising if a small blood vessel is nicked. Finally, stay hydrated. Drinking fluids can help your body handle the immune response more comfortably.

Serious reactions are rare. But as with any vaccine or medication, you should seek medical care if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the face or throat. You should also call your doctor if you develop an unusually high fever, severe persistent pain or unusual weakness. I want to stress again that these situations are uncommon.

More from Dr. Adam

With a vaccine, you can control the timing. You choose the day. You prepare for the possibility of a sore arm or feeling temporarily tired. Shingles won’t give you that courtesy. It tends to strike at the worst possible moment: during stress or illness, or when your life is already complicated.

In all the years I’ve given this vaccine, I can honestly say I’ve never seen a reaction come close to the misery of a bad case of shingles. It’s my sincere hope that I’ve convinced you to schedule your shot.

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