We want to spread the news that a new shingles vaccine is available and it’s recommended that all people 50 and over should get it – even if you had the previous shingles shot. This vaccine is much more effective – and shingles is one thing you DON’T want to get.

The previous vaccine was named Zostavax; the new one is Shingrix. The vaccine is given in two shots, separated by two to six months.

Shingles is related to chicken pox and typically remains dormant in our systems until something like stress, trauma or another health condition triggers it. It’s extremely painful and can cause lasting complications such as nerve pain. The risk of a shingles outbreak rises with age.

If you want more facts, click here to see what the CDC (Center for Disease Control) says about shingles.