Answer:
Herpes zoster, better known as shingles, is a debilitating rash and has the
potential to cause chronic pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). The vaccine has proven
to decrease the risk of getting shingles, and of having a severe case, for those who
do get it.
Having had cancer in the past is not a contraindication for getting the shingles vaccine. It is a safe, well-tolerated vaccine recommended for all adults over 60, with the exception of those with a compromised immune system. These include those who currently have blood cancers (such as leukemia) or are undergoing chemotherapy for other cancers, or those with HIV/AIDS.
The risk of getting shingles increases with age, so a single dose of vaccine is recommended at any age above 60 for all but those with the above contraindications.
Having had cancer in the past is not a contraindication for getting the shingles vaccine. It is a safe, well-tolerated vaccine recommended for all adults over 60, with the exception of those with a compromised immune system. These include those who currently have blood cancers (such as leukemia) or are undergoing chemotherapy for other cancers, or those with HIV/AIDS.
The risk of getting shingles increases with age, so a single dose of vaccine is recommended at any age above 60 for all but those with the above contraindications.