The Shingles Vaccine

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Shingles Vaccine Basics

Shingles & Chicken Pox

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can present as shingles later in life.

Race to Vaccinate (Shingles)

Join Kroger Health Racing as we look to stop shingles in its tracks. Schedule an appointment or visit the Kroger Health Racing vaccination mobile clinic at an upcoming race for more information.

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Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, can bring about a painful rash. Complications can include severe nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and can last for years after the rash goes away.

Disease Incidence

Almost 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. You can get shingles at any age, but the risk increases with age and if you have a weakened immune system.

Shingles & Chicken Pox

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can present as shingles later in life.

Race to Vaccinate (Shingles)

Join Kroger Health Racing as we look to stop shingles in its tracks. Schedule an appointment or visit the Kroger Health Racing vaccination mobile clinic at an upcoming race for more information.

View Race Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash disease. Complications from shingles can include severe nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can last for months or years after the rash goes away. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.

    If you’ve had chickenpox, you can get shingles. Almost 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. You can get shingles at any age, but it’s more common (and more likely to be severe) in older adults.

    The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years of age and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine), separated by 2-6 months. Individuals 19 years or older who have a weakened immune system may also receive two doses of Shingrix.

Other Recommended Vaccines

Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your shingles vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for influenza (flu), COVID-19, pneumonia and more.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Keep your family healthy with free flu vaccines available in-store.*Learn About Influenza

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Tdap Vaccine

Adults need one dose of Tdap, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.Learn About Tdap

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Keep your family healthy with free flu vaccines available in-store.*Learn About Influenza

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Tdap Vaccine

Adults need one dose of Tdap, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.Learn About Tdap

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Shingles Vaccine Information

If you had chickenpox as a child, you might be at risk for shingles as an adult. On this page, we’ll go over some important information regarding shingles and answer a number of common questions about the virus and vaccine.

What is Shingles?

Let’s start with the basics. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a common viral infection. Shingles can trigger a painful rash of blisters that develops on one side of the face or body, called a shingles rash. The shingles vaccines, or zoster vaccine, can offer protection against shingles and shingles-related complications.

If you believe you may be experiencing a shingles outbreak or are exhibiting shingles symptoms, schedule an appointment or contact a healthcare provider immediately to go over your shingles treatment options.

Who Should Get a Shingles Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) as protection against shingles. The shingles vaccine age recommendation includes adults 50 years and older, as well as adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems.

To schedule an appointment for your shingles vaccine, find a pharmacy or find a clinic near you and choose an appointment time that conveniently fits your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shingles contagious? What triggers a shingles outbreak? We’ve addressed some of the most common questions you’re likely to have about the shingles virus and shingles vaccine. Read through our Frequently Asked Questions section above to learn more. If you have further questions, please contact your local pharmacy or clinic and speak with one of our knowledgeable healthcare providers.

Other Important Vaccines

Are you up to date on all of your vaccines? While getting your shingles shot, you can also catch up on your flu, pneumonia or Tdap vaccine. Take a look at out our adult vaccine checklist to make sure you’re up-to-date and fully protected, or head to our Vaccines Page for immunizations for the whole family.

Continue your health journey by viewing our Healthcare Department Hub or exploring the Pharmacy. No matter where you are in your pursuit, we offer the support, inspiration, information and the health and wellness products you need to help you along the way.