The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) answers the question, “Is shingles vaccine safe for everyone?”, with a resounding “no.” One of the most important evaluations to make prior to procuring a vaccination with Zostavax or Shingrix for a patient is to analyze the current strength of their immune system, according to the CDC.

Disease states such as cancer which affects the bone marrow or lymphatic system of the anatomy, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can weaken the body’s defenses. Treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or treatment for other conditions with steroids can do likewise. The shingles vaccine, safe under normal circumstances, may be very ill-advised for a person whose immunity is operating in less than stellar manner, according to the CDC.

Is Shingles Vaccine Safe for All Ages of Adults?

Technically, the Zostavax vaccine—containing the live virus—was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 for use in adults 50 years and older. The CDC reportedly doesn’t recommend use prior to 60 because the greatest risk of getting shingles with severe complications increases in the older adult years and it is only effective for about a five-year period after immunization.

What Are Complications Associated with the Shingles Vaccine?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the severe complications associated with a shingles breakout are fourfold. The first complication involves pain which continues long after the blisters associated with an episode clear and is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is the result of damage occurring to nerve endings and fibers and they continue to send mixed-up messages of disproportionate pain from the epidermis to the brain.

The second Zostovax complication is blindness or loss of visual acuity resulting from a shingles outbreak occurring in or around an eye. The compromise of the tissue can lead to infections which can compromise the sense of vision. If nerves affecting the ears are involved in an outbreak, hearing can likewise be affected as can a sense of overall balance.

Facial paralysis is not uncommon if the main facial nerve has been breached during an outbreak of herpes zoster. Infections of the skin are also in the realm of possibility if the blisters remain untreated or do not heal properly. Finally, the most serious complications of a case of shingles affect the brain and can lead to an inflammatory condition of its tissues. This can have a host of consequences for other body systems.

Why is the Shingrix Vaccine Preferred Over the Zostavax Vaccine?

As indicated by the singlecare.com blog, Shingrix can be given safety to immunodeficient patients within reason whereas Zostavax cannot. The reason for this is that Zostavax is a weakened version of the actual virus which, when administered, is designed to raise an immune response in the recipient.

Shingrix has also been shown to be more effective in preventing herpes zoster from occurring in the older adult population. It is given in two doses over a six-month time period as opposed to Zostavax which is administered once.