Shingles Vaccine After A Shingles Episode: How Soon?

Hi there and thanks for reaching out to us!

We've actually answered this very question in the past, and that answer can be found on our website here: Shingles Vaccine After Shingles Attack.

To summarize that answer, the recommendation for how soon you can receive the shingles vaccine (Shingrix or Zostavax) after experiencing an episode of shingles depends on what source you reference.

• In the United States, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states you can get the vaccine after your current episode of shingles has cleared up (i.e. after your rash has gone away).
• The guidelines in both Canada and the United Kingdom are more conservative. They recommend waiting up to one year after an episode of shingles to get the vaccine.

Overall, there is a lack of concrete evidence about how a recent episode of shingles could affect the vaccine, or whether you could be more at risk for vaccine side effects.

There does not seem to be much evidence that shows it is inherently risky to get the shingles vaccine right after a recent attack has cleared up in individuals who are healthy, not immunocompromised, and don't otherwise have risk factors for complications. The recommendations from the UK and Canada seem to be based on the lack of studies evaluating the specific scenario of vaccination right after an episode.

I recommend discussing your situation with your doctor so they can provide guidance for your particular medical situation.

Thank you again for reaching out!