Who Should Get Shingles Vaccine?

My mother, who is 91, had a mastectomy 30 years ago. Luckily, she is still in good health today. Is it okay for her to get a shingles shot now? It's hard to tell whether her immune system is weak or not.

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.