Shingles Cases Surge in Young Adults, Shingrix Vaccine Recommended

Recent research shows shingles (herpes zoster) cases among adults aged 30‑49 in the United States more than doubled between 1998 and 2017, and activity in the United Kingdom is now above the five‑year average. The rise is especially pronounced among millennial women, who face about a 56 % higher risk than men, possibly due to immune differences and a higher prevalence of conditions such as asthma, diabetes, depression and stress.

Shingles results from reactivation of the varicella‑zoster virus that causes chickenpox. It begins with pain, tingling or burning on one side of the body, followed by a blistering rash, and can lead to complications such as post‑herpetic neuralgia, eye infections and neurological problems. Early antiviral treatment is most effective when started promptly.

The Shingrix vaccine, now offered in the UK’s NHS and recommended for older adults, provides over 90 % protection against shingles and significantly reduces the risk of post‑herpetic neuralgia. It is administered in two doses, typically spaced two to six months apart, and most recipients experience only mild side effects such as short‑term fatigue.