Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Shingles Or Herpes Be Contracted After Getting A Vaccination Shot?
Question: Can you still get shingles/herpes if you get the vaccination? I got the vacc 3 yrs ago, since my Mom & grandmother both had problems. I've had TERRIBLE itching that starts w/miniscule bumps, which turn into red bumps the size of mosquito bites; then progress to larger rough patches after weeks of scratching. Benadryl spray, cortisone cream help for a few hours, then the intense itching begins again.
It started w/a semi circle on my left forearm, followed by a short (2") stripe down the back of the same arm along the bone, which lasted about a month. NO PAIN, just itching. thought it might be from working outside in the yard. All went away for another month.
Now its back w/a vengence: same semi-circle at first, then around left waist & hip, later front of left leg, then top of toes on left foot. NO PAIN, just escrutiating itching! Just realized all has been on LEFT SIDE, traveling down, so to speak. That was when I thought it might be shingles.
What do you think? If I go to my family physician or dermatologist, can they do anything?
It started w/a semi circle on my left forearm, followed by a short (2") stripe down the back of the same arm along the bone, which lasted about a month. NO PAIN, just itching. thought it might be from working outside in the yard. All went away for another month.
Now its back w/a vengence: same semi-circle at first, then around left waist & hip, later front of left leg, then top of toes on left foot. NO PAIN, just escrutiating itching! Just realized all has been on LEFT SIDE, traveling down, so to speak. That was when I thought it might be shingles.
What do you think? If I go to my family physician or dermatologist, can they do anything?
Brief Answer:
Shingles can appear even if you are vaccinated.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, I really appreciate your concern. I am Dr. Manan Patel answering your query.
It is possible to have shingles even after vaccination. Vaccination can prevent severe complications if shingles appear after taking it.
You are having itchy, red bumps and rash on left side of body which is a common characteristic of attack of Shingles. In case of shingles early treatment can shorten course of disease and prevent severe neural damage.
Your family physician can confirm the diagnosis and start antiviral medications and topical antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infection if needed.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Thank you.
Shingles can appear even if you are vaccinated.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, I really appreciate your concern. I am Dr. Manan Patel answering your query.
It is possible to have shingles even after vaccination. Vaccination can prevent severe complications if shingles appear after taking it.
You are having itchy, red bumps and rash on left side of body which is a common characteristic of attack of Shingles. In case of shingles early treatment can shorten course of disease and prevent severe neural damage.
Your family physician can confirm the diagnosis and start antiviral medications and topical antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infection if needed.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
