Benefits and Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine

Published 2024-04-15
How does the new shingles vaccine compare to the previous one, and what age should you get it?

This is the last video in my series on vaccines. Be sure to watch the other two on the flu (nutritionfacts.org/video/benefits-and-side-effects…) and pneumonia (nutritionfacts.org/video/benefits-and-side-effects…) vaccines.

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-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

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All Comments (21)
  • @patangel1652
    Thank you for giving it your stamp of approval. My family and I will definitely be getting it.
  • I had chicken pox when I was about nine years old. When I turned 60 I went to the VA and got the shingles vaccine.
  • @Linda-gi8pr
    I had shingles and no thank you I don't want it again. I already have glaucoma and sure don't want to chance have shingles on my facial nerve. I know a lady who went blind from shingles.
  • @thegentleknitter
    It's so important to protect yourself from shingles. A year ago, I developed Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, a rare complication of shingles which seriously damaged my 7th facial nerve. The right side of my face is still significantly affected, as well as my hearing. I can no longer work or drive. Please get vaccinated!
  • @AudianPaxson
    I've been on the fence, but now I'm going to get it this week. Thank you!
  • @rod6523
    Excellent, as all your highly impactful/beneficial videos, books ! As you make clear, it is striking that uptake of this vaccine is not much greater, given the potential consequences of Shingles including PHN (Post herpetic neuralgia). Thanks so much for your commitment to educating and providing the public pathways to healthy living/aging ! P.S.: Our Team participated in the development of both the Zostavax (1st generation vaccine) as well as Shingrix (current & most efficacious) shingles vaccines over a 9 year + period, at an estimated cost of >$1.1 B (to add perspective to the high cost/vaccination series---most of which is now covered by insurance).
  • @joycecops7478
    My mother got Bell’s palsy from the vaccine. She was encouraged to get it by her doctor and she was very healthy - straight after she had the vaccine she got Bell’s palsy and her face/eye never fully recovered. I think more should be researched into the side effects.
  • @HappyComfort
    I also got mine ASAP! I have seen enough of my older friends suffer terrible pain from shingles who didn’t get the vaccine! 😳I would like to avoid that for myself if possible 😅👍
  • @DrBear-rk4qb
    Thank you for encouraging people to get the shingles vaccine, Dr. Greger! My dad didn't have the vaccine and got shingles, and the rash spread to his face! He could have lost is eyesight; the risk isn't worth it, folks! When my dad recovered he and my mom got their shingles vaccine as soon as they could.
  • @roddyx3559
    I’ve never had chickenpox. My physician recommended I get the shingles vaccine anyway. I wonder if Mr. Gregor would also recommend I get the shingles vaccine.
  • Had shingles when I was 32 and everybody said I was too young but that didn't seem to make a difference to the shingles. Again when I was 46, knew exactly what it was and didn't even go to the doc. Feeling for those folks with it on the face, yikes, mine was around half the trunk. Since then went whole plant food exclusive, no salt, oil, or sugar, high raw vegan loading in the fresh fruits and vegetables, getting in a pitcher of green smoothie every day with flax and chia & been doing this about five years now. Not saying the shingles aren't going to show up and slap me buuut probably less likely. I'm healthier now than as a teenager and bouncing with energy so at least if it does show up again maybe it won't take me down quite as badly 🥦❤
  • @suzanneadams1
    I got the shindrix vaccine, the second one made me exhausted the second day. Well worth getting the vaccine. I had an uncle who never recovered from it and died and my son (then 32) got it. I got the shots as soon as I was able. I’m 64 and have never looked back
  • @cemtural8556
    Long term safety with regard to autoimmune diseases? It's been 5 years, what long term?