Assuming I have not had chickenpox and I get the shingles vaccine, what are the consequences that could happen?

Hello,

In its November 2017 update, the Quebec Immunization Protocol tells us that it is possible to vaccinate a person regardless of their history of chickenpox. Whether or not you had chickenpox when you were young is unlikely to change the side effects you may experience after the injection (muscle pain, fatigue, headaches). These side effects are more common in people your age than in people over 70. However, you should know that most people do not suffer from these effects after about 3 days.

Does this answer your question?

I am not sure I understand your second question. You should know that it is possible to get tested to see if you have chicken pox. However, it is not usually recommended. Instead, the guidelines we looked at recommend that you get the shingles vaccine even if you are not sure you have had chickenpox (shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus).

Don't hesitate to write me again if you have a new question. Have a nice day !

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist