I have had shingles nine times, yes I had the shot for them. That was the fourth time I got them, a severe reaction to the shot. I take Acyclovir 400mg now four times a day and have been taking it in declining and increasing doses for over a year. This has been 4x daily for 6 months. Whenevere the dose is decreased, after six months 3x daily, etc. They reoccurr. I ve had them on my legs, thighs, arms, armpit, and butt cheek. I did have chicken pox and measles at the same time as a child. Why am I getting shingles so often and what can I do to prevent them?