Vaccination
Shingles
Shingles is a disease caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Two (2) vaccines are available:
- Shingrix®
- Zostavax®
It is recommended to vaccinate with Shingrix®, as it is much more effective with an efficacy rate of 97%.
If you have already received Zostavax®, you will be interested to know that it helps reduce the risk of developing shingles and also helps reduce the risk of complications. However, if you want to be sure you don't get shingles, it is advisable to get vaccinated again with Shingrix®.
The target audience
- People aged 50 and over
As we age, the immune system weakens and shingles is more likely to appear. - People aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised
- People aged 18 and over with chronic medical conditions
Symptoms
- Painful eruptions on one side of the body, along the path of a nerve, lasting two (2) to three (3) weeks
- Redness and vesicles, small blisters that burst and become crusty in the painful area
IMPORTANT!
If you experience symptoms of shingles, consult a doctor immediately, as your doctor can only treat shingles within the first 72 hours of symptoms appearing.
If you have any questions, please contact us to make an appointment. We will then be able to guide you and refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Complications
- Scars
- Infection of the vesicles
- Pain lasting several months along the path of the affected nerve (neuralgia)
- Vision impairment if shingles affects the face
- Infection throughout the body
- Death
Transmission
- Transmission occurs through the discharge from the lesions.
Shingles often appears following an emotional shock. It is impossible to predict, and if you have already had chickenpox, you are at risk of contracting shingles.
Prevention
It is impossible to predict shingles.
- The only way to protect yourself is through vaccination.
- Put on gloves and wash your hands afterwards if you treat the wounds of someone who is infected.
- Cover any wounds that are bleeding to prevent transmission via bed sheets or other items shared with the infected person.
The vaccination schedule
Shingles
| Adult | Two (2) doses | Two (2) to 12 months. If you want protection sooner, we recommend a two (2)-month interval. | No recall |
Our services are offered in our clinic and satellite clinic as well as in your home. Appointments preferred.
For more information, please contact us.
Accès Infirmières | New clinic
82, Route 338
Les Coteaux, QC J7X 1A2
Accès Infirmières
287, boulevard D'Anjou
Châteauguay, QC J6J 2R4