False
Can the chickenpox vaccine cause shingles? We answer questions about the infections and protection
The chickenpox vaccine does not directly cause shingles, but it can reduce the risk of developing shingles later in life.
Key points
- Chickenpox vaccine prevents chickenpox but does not directly cause shingles.
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox.
- The chickenpox vaccine can reduce the risk and severity of shingles in adults.
Explanation
Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the same virus, VZV. The chickenpox vaccine prevents initial infection with VZV but does not directly cause shingles. However, it is known that the vaccine can reduce the risk and severity of shingles in adults who have previously been exposed to the virus. This is because a fully vaccinated individual has a lower likelihood of harboring the dormant virus that could reactivate as shingles.
Sources
- Vaccination to Prevent Shingles - CDC Official CDC guidance on preventing shingles.
- Chickenpox and Shingles Vaccines: A Review of the Evidence for Efficacy A review article discussing the efficacy of vaccines in preventing chickenpox and shingles.