❓About Shingles & the Vaccine

Shingles (herpes zoster) happens when the chickenpox virus that has been dormant in your body reactivates as your immune system weakens.
It causes a band-shaped rash with blisters and severe nerve pain. Even after the rash heals, pain can linger for months or years.
1 in 3 people will develop shingles by age 80.
Shingrix has been reported to prevent shingles in about 97% of adults aged 50 and older, and about 90% of those aged 70 and older. It is intended for adults aged 50 and older, as well as adults aged 18 and older who are at increased risk of shingles.

⚙️How the Vaccine Works

Inactivated (recombinant subunit) vaccine boosts immunity

Shingrix contains no live virus — it is an inactivated (recombinant subunit) vaccine

Two doses build strong protection

The second dose is given 2 months after the first. If you are delayed you do not need to start over, but complete both doses within 6 months

About 97% effective at age 50 and older

About 90% at age 70 and older. Higher protection than the live vaccine (about 50%) has been reported

About 70% protection still at 10 years

Over 90% in the first year, around 90% at 5 years and about 70% at 10 years — protection declines gradually (follow-up studies are ongoing)

🔍Comparing the Two Vaccines

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Shingrix: inactivated (recombinant subunit), 2 doses, about 97% effective at age 50+ and about 90% at age 70+

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Zostavax: live vaccine, 1 dose, about 50% effective (cannot be given to people with impaired immunity, on immunosuppressive treatment, or who are pregnant)

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Shingrix: about 70% protection remaining at 10 years

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Zostavax: falls to about 40% by 5 years

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Shingrix can be given to people with weakened immune systems (because it is inactivated)

💊Vaccination Details

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Schedule

2 doses: the second 2 months after the first (within 6 months at the latest). Shortened to 1 month only when your doctor judges early completion is needed

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Who Should Get It

Adults aged 50 and older, plus adults aged 18 and older at increased risk of shingles

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Cost (Routine Schedule)

Eligible Setagaya Ward residents: 10,000 yen per dose (20,000 yen total)

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Cost (Voluntary)

Setagaya Ward subsidy: 11,000 yen per dose (22,000 yen total)

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Cost (Not Subsidized / Self-pay)

Self-pay: 22,000 yen per dose (44,000 yen total)

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Side Effects

Injection-site pain (over 70%), redness, muscle pain and fatigue (over 30%), headache and fever (over 10%). Most are temporary. The vaccine must not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of its components. Shock or anaphylaxis can rarely occur, so stay at the clinic or somewhere you can be reached for about 30 minutes after the injection

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Had Shingles Before?

Vaccination is still recommended to prevent recurrence

📈Summary

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Consider vaccination if you are 50 or older

Shingles causes severe pain and can leave lasting nerve pain even after the rash heals. Shingrix has been reported to prevent shingles in about 97% of adults aged 50 and older and about 90% of those aged 70 and older, and about 70% protection is still seen at 10 years (protection declines gradually over time). Setagaya Ward subsidies are available. Vaccination is available at our clinic — feel free to ask us about it.

🏥If You Are Considering Vaccination

Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Consider vaccination if you are 50 or older

💡 Good to Know

🩻 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic