What Causes Shingles Even After Vaccination?

Posted on Mon, 7 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Mar 2016 Answered on

Mon, 16 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Question already submitted. Having to do with an apparent outbreak of shingles "a year after I was given the innoculation".

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be shingles, vaccine doesn't provide 100 percent protection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic

I have reviewed the attached photographs and it seems to be shingles.

It is possible to get herpes zoster ( shingles) infection even after vaccination as it doesn't provide 100 percent protection. The infection can still occur but it will be comparatively less severe.

Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (31 minutes later)

what do you recommend as treatment? I've heard L-lycine is good and Avaclor?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go for valciclovir and calamine lotion

Detailed Answer:
In such cases I recommend my patients to take tablet valciclovir 1 gram three times in a day for 1 week along with application of calamine lotion on the affected areas twice daily.
These are prescription medicines and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
L- lycine and avaclor is not effective in shingles.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina