Shingles Vaccine Timing: When to Get Protected and What to Avoid

Getting the shingles vaccine, a preventive shot that reduces the risk of shingles and its painful complications. Also known as herpes zoster vaccine, it’s not just for older adults—it’s a critical shield for anyone over 50, and sometimes even younger if you’re at higher risk. The two main options are Shingrix, the preferred two-dose vaccine with over 90% effectiveness and the older Zostavax, a single-dose vaccine no longer used in the U.S. due to lower protection. If you’re thinking about getting vaccinated, timing matters more than you might think.

Most people should get Shingrix at age 50 or older, even if they’ve had shingles before or got Zostavax years ago. The CDC says you don’t need to wait any specific time after a shingles outbreak—you can get Shingrix once the rash is gone. But if you’re immunocompromised, your doctor might recommend getting it sooner, sometimes as early as 18. The two doses need to be spaced 2 to 6 months apart. Missing the second dose cuts your protection in half. And no, you can’t get it too late. Even if you’re 75 or 85, it still works. The real risk isn’t getting it too late—it’s not getting it at all.

Side effects like sore arms, fatigue, or mild fever are common after Shingrix, but they usually fade in 2–3 days. These aren’t signs the vaccine is dangerous—they’re signs it’s working. Don’t let fear of temporary discomfort stop you. People who skip the vaccine often end up dealing with postherpetic neuralgia, a nerve pain that can last months or years. That’s far worse than a sore arm.

If you’re on immunosuppressants, have an active illness, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before scheduling. But if you’re generally healthy and over 50, the best time to get the shingles vaccine is right now. There’s no perfect day, but there’s a perfect reason: to avoid the worst kind of pain you didn’t know you could get from a virus you already had.