As with any type of medical treatment or vaccine, the shingles vaccine does carry the risk of side effects. Patients thinking about getting the shingles vaccine should always discuss their specific situation with their doctor first to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

For some people, the chance that they could die from the shingles vaccine and concerns over other serious side effects might lead them to avoid the vaccine entirely.

The vaccine is reportedly recommended since current data shows that around one in three people in the U.S. will get shingles at some point in their lives.

Is Zostavax Safe?

There are a few different options for a shingles vaccine. Zostavax is one of these options and it has been administered in the U.S. since 2006. This single-dose shot has been shown to reduce the chances of shingles in people older than 60 by 50 percent.

For those between the ages of 50 and 59, Zostavax has been shown to reduce the shingles risk by up to 70 percent.

However, despite these encouraging statistics, Zostavax has been linked to serious side effects in some patients, including shingles or a skin rash.

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?

Most people getting the shingles vaccine are hoping to avoid the condition of shingles. However, those who received the Zostavax vaccine should be aware of the possible symptoms of shingles, which can include fatigue, headache, weakness, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and sensitivity to light.

Could Patients Die from a Vaccine?

All vaccines carry the risk of some form of injury, including fatal complications. When it comes to the chances that someone could die from the shingles vaccine, the most likely cause is a severe allergic reaction.

This kind of allergic reaction might happen after the patient has left the clinic where they got the vaccine, so it’s important to know the signs of an allergic attack.

How Do I Know if I Have a High Risk of an Allergic Reaction?

According to the CDC, there are some signs that a person is more likely to experience an allergic reaction to the shingles vaccine. These are any people who have already gone through a serious or life-threatening reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.

Make sure that you inform your doctor about these allergies prior to getting the vaccine for shingles.

What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction to the Shingles Vaccine?

Hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing are some of the first warning signs that someone is having an allergic reaction to their vaccine. This situation should be taken seriously and 911 should be called right away.

Unfortunately, some patients who have no idea about the critical side effects could die from the shingles vaccine. This devastating experience can have far-reaching consequences for their loved ones.

Whether you recently lost someone as a result of an allergic reaction to this vaccine or experienced problematic side effects yourself, these incidents could form the basis of a lawsuit against the maker of the vaccine. Top Class Actions is here to help if you need assistance finding a lawyer.