About one million new cases of shingles develop each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means about one in three Americans will develop the virus in his or her lifetime.

The often painful rash usually lasts a few weeks and can even last up to months or years in some cases. But thanks to medical advances, the Shingrix vaccine approved by the FDA in 2017 is extremely effective in preventing the virus.

VFW Magazine talked to Dr. Todd Fristo at Saint Luke's Primary Care-Independence about the importance of getting vaccinated and who is most at risk.

Read the full VFW Magazine article: Get Vaccinated to Prevent Shingles.

Person holding vile of Shingles Vaccine - live single dose.

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Nov. 2, 2018

FOX4: Saint Luke's Family Physician talks about the New Shingles Vaccine

According to the CDC, Shingles is a painful rash disease. Shingles can lead to severe nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) that can last for months or years after the rash goes away.

Todd E Fristo, MD

Family Medicine