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A guide to the link between ageing and shingles risk, why older adults are more likely to experience complications, and how vaccination can help protect later in life.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant within nerve cells for life.
In younger people, the immune system is usually very effective at keeping the virus under control. However, as we age, this protection gradually weakens — making it more likely that the dormant virus can reactivate and cause shingles. This is why the risk of shingles rises steadily with age, particularly after the age of 50.
Ageing affects many parts of the body, including the immune system. Over time, it becomes less efficient at recognising and controlling infections — a process sometimes referred to as immunosenescence. Even healthy older adults experience some degree of this age-related decline in immune function.
The varicella-zoster virus takes advantage of this reduced immune surveillance, which is why shingles becomes more common in older adults.
Although anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, certain groups face a higher risk. The risk continues to increase with age — which is why shingles vaccination is particularly important for older adults.
Not only are older adults more likely to develop shingles — they are also more likely to experience complications. In younger people, shingles often resolves without long-term problems. In older adults, however, the severity and duration of symptoms often increase, making prevention especially valuable.
One of the most common complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — nerve pain that continues after the shingles rash has healed. The risk of developing PHN increases with age, particularly in people over 60, and is one of the key reasons vaccination is recommended for older adults.
For some people, PHN can significantly affect daily activities, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Yes. Many people assume that only those with underlying health problems develop shingles, but this is not the case. Even healthy adults who exercise regularly, eat well and have no major medical conditions can develop shingles.
This is because age itself is one of the most important risk factors. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports overall wellbeing, it cannot completely prevent the age-related changes in immune function that increase the risk of shingles. This means that even healthy older adults may benefit from vaccination.
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. The Shingrix vaccine works by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognise and control the varicella-zoster virus — making it particularly valuable as natural immunity declines with age.
Many people choose vaccination not only to avoid shingles itself but also to reduce the risk of the severe nerve pain that can follow.
Vaccination is most effective when used before shingles develops. Many people wait until they know someone who has experienced the condition before thinking about vaccination — but it is worth considering sooner rather than later.
If you’re unsure whether the shingles vaccine is suitable for you, our pharmacy team can help you understand your eligibility and discuss the available options.
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