Zoster (Shingles)

Shingles is a painful localized skin rash, often with blisters. Shingles, also called zoster or herpes zoster virus, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles later in life, because the chickenpox virus can hide in a resting state in the body. If the immune system weakens because of aging, stress, disease, medications or other conditions, the virus may reawaken, causing shingles.

The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a single dose of the shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine for adults 60 years or older to prevent shingles.

More information:

Shingles Information from the CDC
Disease and vaccine Information.

Shingles Vaccine Information Statement
Who should get the vaccine, when to get it, and possible risks and reactions.