What are shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus — the same one that causes chickenpox. You recognize it as a painful rash that often appears as welts of blisters that wrap around the sides of your torso. You’re at greater risk of developing shingles if you’re older than 50, have certain diseases such as HIV or cancer, are undergoing cancer treatment, or take specific medications.

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles. The condition is not life-threatening but is very painful.

What is the vaccine for shingles?

The varicella vaccine that protects children from chickenpox may be given to adults who’ve never had chickenpox to protect them from both chickenpox and shingles. Two options are available for the shingles vaccine: ZostavaxⓇ and ShingrixⓇ.

Zostavax protects you from shingles for about five years and is given as a single injection. Shingrix may offer protection from shingles for more than five years. This vaccine is given in two doses, two to six months apart.

Who should get a pneumococcal vaccine?

Pneumonia, which is a severe infection in the lungs, puts thousands of Americans in the hospital every year, and it can lead to death. Two vaccines for pneumonia are available: PCV13 and PPSV23. Older adults are at particular risk of complications from pneumonia and benefit from receiving these vaccines.

At Paradise Valley Medical Group, adults 65 and older should get PCV13 first and a dose of PPSV23 no later than one year later, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you received a dose of PPSV23, you should get the dose of PCV13 at least one year later. If you received a dose of PCV13 at a younger age, our healthcare provider does not recommend another dose.

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

The flu causes miserable symptoms and can lead to hospitalization and even death in vulnerable populations. Flu vaccines reduce your risk of contracting the disease and lessen the severity of symptoms should you contract it.

The flu vaccine is reformulated every year because the viral strains that cause the flu change quickly. When you get a seasonal flu vaccine, it protects you against the flu viruses that researchers have determined will be most common that season.

You may get the flu as a shot or as a nasal spray. Both are effective in protecting you from the flu and are offered at Paradise Valley Medical Group. If you have flu symptoms and come in to see us quickly, we can offer antiviral medication to help you fight the flu.

To protect yourself against flu, shingles, and pneumonia, contact Paradise Valley Medical Group by phone or use the online booking tool to make an appointment.