Shingrix Vaccine

Although the topic of vaccines is fraught with many diverse opinions these days, I would be remiss if I didn’t recount the major theme of an article I recently read in an ophthalmology journal. The authors investigate the rate of shingles in the upper face in patients who have had the Shingrix vaccine versus those who have not. Unsurprisingly, these results mirror the results of getting shingles after the vaccine in general, i.e. there is a great decrease in the rate of shingles after vaccination. We are particularly concerned as an ophthalmologic community about shingles in the upper face, because that sort of shingles can affect the eyeball as well. The article also points out that the uptake of the shingles vaccine is quite low. So, here, I place my public service announcement: if you are of appropriate age (over 50) and the Shingrix vaccine is recommended for you, please take it. It may save you a lot of pain, time, and misery, and it may save your sight.