Can you get shingles after getting the shingles vaccine?

While it is possible to get shingles after receiving the immunization, the shingles vaccine reduces the chances of getting the virus by roughly 50 percent, according to WebMD. Since shingles is contagious, receiving the vaccine is also an effective means of preventing the spread of the virus.

In persons that do develop shingles, studies also indicate that persons receiving the immunization have shorter periods of post-herpetic neuralgia, the nerve pain that often accompanies patients after the rash is resolved.

The virus occurs most commonly in adults 50 years of age and older; the Center for Disease Control recommends that all persons 60 and older receive the immunization.