1. What is shingles? -- 2. Shingles vaccine -- 3. Some people should not get shingles vaccine or should wait -- 4. What are the risks from shingles vaccine? -- 5. What if there is a serious reaction? -- 6. How can I learn more?

Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It is also called Herpes Zoster, or just Zoster.

A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection