Yes, you can get shingles more than once, though it is uncommon
Most people who have shingles will have it only once in their lifetime. However, about 1 to 4 out of every 100 people who have had shingles will develop it again. A second or even third case is possible because the virus that causes shingles — varicella-zoster — stays in your nerve tissue permanently after your first infection, whether that was chickenpox or shingles itself.
The reason recurrence is rare rather than impossible comes down to immunity. After your first episode of shingles, your body builds up defenses that usually keep the virus from reactivating. But those defenses can weaken over time, especially if your immune system is compromised by age, illness, or certain medications. When immunity drops enough, the virus can wake up again and cause a second outbreak.
Key Takeaways
- Recurrent shingles happens in a small percentage of people, typically years or decades after the first episode.
- A second case of shingles is more likely if your immune system is weakened by age over 50, HIV, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressant medications.
- The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of recurrence and is recommended even if you have had shingles before.
- A second outbreak usually appears in a different part of your body than the first one did.
Who is most likely to get shingles a second time
Your age and the strength of your immune system are the biggest factors. People over 50 have a higher risk of recurrence than younger adults, partly because immune function naturally declines with age. If you are in your 60s, 70s, or older and had shingles in your 50s, a second episode becomes more likely as you age further.
Certain medical conditions and treatments also raise the risk. People living with HIV, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, and people taking medications that suppress the immune system (such as those used after organ transplants) are more likely to have recurrent shingles. Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may increase risk as well, though the connection is less direct than with immune-suppressing treatments.
Stress and physical trauma to the same area of your body where you had shingles before can sometimes trigger recurrence, though this is not fully understood. Some people report that a second episode happened after a period of high stress or after an injury to the same nerve region.
How a second case of shingles typically differs from the first
Recurrent shingles often follows a different pattern than the initial outbreak. While your first case may have been severe — with intense pain, widespread rash, or complications — a second episode is frequently milder. The rash may be smaller, the pain less intense, and the duration shorter, though this is not always the case.
Location is often different too. Shingles follows the path of a single nerve, called a dermatome. Your first outbreak might have appeared on your chest or face, while a recurrence could show up on your arm, leg, or a different part of your torso. It is rare for shingles to recur in exactly the same spot, though it can happen.
The time between episodes varies widely. Some people have a second case within a few years; others wait 10, 20, or 30 years. There is no predictable pattern for when recurrence will happen if it happens at all.
The role of the shingles vaccine in preventing recurrence
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults age 50 and older, and it works whether you have had shingles before or not. If you have already had one episode, the vaccine can reduce your risk of a second one. Studies show that Shingrix reduces the risk of recurrent shingles by more than 90 percent in people who have had shingles previously.
The vaccine is given as two doses, two to six months apart. You can receive it even if you are not sure whether you had chickenpox as a child — most adults in the United States have been exposed to the virus at some point. If you had shingles, you should wait until the rash has healed and any acute pain has subsided before getting vaccinated, typically at least a few weeks after the episode ends.
Insurance coverage for the vaccine varies. Medicare Part D and most private insurance plans cover Shingrix for people age 50 and older. If cost is a concern, some pharmacies and health departments offer the vaccine at reduced rates, and you can ask your doctor or local health department about options in your area.
What to do if you think you are having shingles again
Contact your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms, especially if you have had shingles before. Early treatment with antiviral medications — such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir — can reduce pain, speed healing, and lower the risk of complications. These medications work best when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing, so timing matters.
Tell your doctor that this is a recurrence, not your first episode. This information helps them assess your immune status and may prompt them to investigate whether an underlying condition is making you more vulnerable. If you are over 50 or have any condition that affects immunity, your doctor may also discuss the shingles vaccine with you if you have not yet received it.
While waiting to see your doctor, you can manage pain and itching with over-the-counter pain relievers, cool compresses, and loose clothing. Avoid scratching the rash to prevent bacterial infection. If the rash is near your eye or if you develop severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical attention sooner rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.
Long-term complications and when to worry
Recurrent shingles carries the same risk of complications as a first episode, though the overall risk remains low. Post-herpetic neuralgia — persistent nerve pain that continues after the rash heals — can occur after any episode of shingles, including a second one. This pain can last for weeks, months, or even years in some cases, though it is less common in younger people and in milder cases.
Other complications, such as bacterial infection of the rash, vision problems (if the rash affects the eye), or hearing loss (if it affects the ear), are possible but uncommon. The risk of these complications increases slightly with age and with a weakened immune system, which is why prompt treatment and close monitoring matter.
If you have had multiple episodes of shingles — particularly if they are occurring close together or if you are younger than 50 — your doctor may recommend testing to check your immune function. Frequent recurrence can sometimes signal an underlying condition that needs attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can you get shingles in your life?
There is no absolute limit, but recurrence is rare. Most people have shingles zero or one time. A small number have two episodes, and having three or more is very uncommon. Each recurrence becomes slightly less likely as time passes and your immune system continues to build defenses.
Can you get shingles twice in the same year?
It is extremely rare but technically possible, particularly in people with severely weakened immune systems. If you have had two episodes within a short time frame, your doctor will likely investigate whether an underlying condition — such as undiagnosed HIV or a medication side effect — is responsible.
If I had shingles, will I definitely get it again?
No. The majority of people who have shingles never have it again. Recurrence happens in only a small percentage of people, and the risk depends on your age, immune health, and other individual factors. Getting the Shingrix vaccine significantly reduces the already-low risk even further.
Does the shingles vaccine work if I have already had shingles?
Yes. Shingrix is recommended for people age 50 and older regardless of whether they have had shingles before. It reduces the risk of recurrence by more than 90 percent in people with a history of shingles and reduces the risk of a first episode in those who have not had it yet.
What should I do differently after a second episode of shingles?
Talk to your doctor about getting the Shingrix vaccine if you have not already received it. Also discuss whether your immune system should be evaluated, especially if you are younger than 50 or if the episodes were close together. Your doctor may also recommend strategies to manage any lingering nerve pain and to reduce stress, which can sometimes trigger recurrence.