As we grow older, prioritizing our health becomes more critical, especially when it comes to preventing painful and debilitating illnesses. One such illness that many adults over the age of 50 are at risk for is shingles (herpes zoster). Despite being preventable, many people in Los Angeles County and beyond remain unaware of how dangerous shingles can be—or how simple it is to protect themselves with a vaccine.

At Aviva Pharmacy, we believe in empowering adults with knowledge and access to life-saving vaccines like Shingrix, the highly effective shingles vaccine.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body’s nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

Shingles typically presents as a blistering rash on one side of the body or face and is often accompanied by:

• Burning or tingling pain

• Red rash or blisters

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

The Hidden Dangers of Shingles:

• Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Long-term nerve pain lasting months or even years after the rash heals.

• Vision Loss: If shingles affects the eyes, it can lead to permanent vision damage.

• Skin Infections: Open blisters can become infected if not properly treated.

• Hospitalization Risk: In severe cases, shingles can lead to serious complications, especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems.

Did You Know?

• 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime.

• The risk increases sharply after age 50.

• LA County reports higher rates of vaccine-preventable illnesses among underserved and senior populations due to access challenges and healthcare inequities.

How Does the Shingles Vaccine Work?

The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is a two-dose vaccine that helps boost your immunity against the varicella-zoster virus, preventing shingles and reducing the severity of symptoms if you do develop it.

Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications, including postherpetic neuralgia. It’s recommended for adults 50 years and older and for younger adults with compromised immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

• Adults aged 50 and older, even if you’ve already had shingles.

• Individuals 19+ who are immunocompromised.

• People who don’t remember if they had chickenpox (assume you did—most adults have been exposed).

• Even if you’ve received the older Zostavax vaccine (which is less effective), you should still get the Shingrix series.

Important:

Unlike childhood vaccines, shingles vaccination is a catch-up vaccine—meaning it’s never too late to get it as an adult.

Common Myths About the Shingles Vaccine

Myth 1: “I had chickenpox as a kid, so I’m immune.”

Truth: Having had chickenpox actually puts you at higher risk for shingles later in life!

Myth 2: “I’m healthy, so I won’t get shingles.”

Truth: Even healthy adults over 50 have a 1 in 3 chance of developing shingles.

Myth 3: “The shingles shot is too expensive.”

Truth: At Aviva Pharmacy, we offer free or low-cost shingles vaccines, especially for those without insurance or with financial challenges.

What to Expect When Getting the Shingles Vaccine

• Two doses required, separated by 2 to 6 months.

• Most people experience mild side effects, such as arm soreness, fatigue, or a low-grade fever, which typically resolve within 1-3 days.

• Protection is long-lasting, with immunity shown to remain strong for at least 7 years after vaccination.

Why the Shingles Vaccine Matters More in LA County

Here in Los Angeles County, we serve a diverse and aging population. Many older adults, especially in underserved communities like South LA and parts of Long Beach, experience barriers to vaccination:

• Lack of transportation to medical facilities.

• Cost concerns due to lack of insurance.

• Misinformation about vaccine safety.

At Aviva Pharmacy, we’ve seen firsthand how shingles can devastate seniors—leading to ER visits, long-term nerve pain, and financial strain due to medical costs.

Aviva’s Commitment to Local Seniors

• We provide in-pharmacy vaccinations with walk-ins welcome.

• We partner with organizations like St. Barnabas Senior Services to offer shingles vaccines in residential care facilities and directly in people’s homes for homebound seniors.

• Our pharmacists offer personalized consultations to review your vaccine history and health concerns.

A Real Story from Aviva

One of our regular patients, Mr. J, a 67-year-old resident in Long Beach, shared that after watching a neighbor struggle with shingles for nearly a year, he came to Aviva Pharmacy for his free shingles vaccine. He didn’t know it was available at no cost and was relieved by the compassionate care our pharmacy team provided.

Mr. J’s story is just one of many. Every week, we help seniors across LA County get vaccinated without worrying about affordability or transportation.

Ready to Protect Yourself?

The shingles vaccine is one of the simplest ways to avoid months—or years—of nerve pain and other complications. If you’re 50 or older (or immunocompromised), don’t wait until it’s too late.

Here's How to Get Protected at Aviva Pharmacy:

1. Walk in or schedule an appointment for a free consultation.

2. Receive your first dose today at our Long Beach pharmacy.

3. Our team will help you schedule your follow-up dose for full protection.

4. Need us to come to you? Ask about our mobile vaccine services for seniors and homebound individuals.

Don’t Let Shingles Hold You Back!

Take charge of your health today by visiting Aviva Pharmacy or calling us to learn more about free and low-cost shingles vaccines.