Why Tulsa Adults Over 60 Shouldn’t Wait to Get the Shingles Vaccine

As we age, staying ahead of preventable illnesses becomes even more important—and few conditions are as painful and disruptive as shingles. If you’re over 60 and living in Tulsa, there’s good news: the shingles vaccine is one of the most effective tools for avoiding this serious illness, and with Saving Grace, you can get it in the comfort of your own home.

Shingles doesn’t just cause a rash—it can lead to chronic nerve pain, complications with vision or hearing, and serious disruptions to your quality of life. Fortunately, one simple vaccine can significantly reduce your risk.

Here’s why Tulsa adults shouldn’t wait to get the shingles vaccine—and how Saving Grace makes it easier than ever.


What Is Shingles and Why Is It Dangerous?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve recovered from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerve tissues and can reactivate years later as shingles.

It usually begins as a painful, tingling sensation followed by a red rash and blistering on one side of the body. While the rash eventually clears, the pain doesn’t always go away. Many people develop a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a chronic nerve pain that can last for months or even years.

In some cases, shingles can also lead to:

  • Vision loss if it affects the eyes
  • Hearing issues or balance problems
  • Skin infections from open blisters
  • Neurological complications

Who Is Most at Risk?

If you’re over the age of 50, your risk for shingles increases dramatically—especially after 60. The immune system naturally weakens with age, making it harder for your body to keep the virus in check.

Other risk factors include:

  • A history of chickenpox (nearly all adults born before 1980 in the U.S. have had it)
  • A weakened immune system
  • High stress levels
  • Underlying conditions like diabetes or cancer

But you don’t need to be seriously ill to get shingles—it affects otherwise healthy adults every day.


Why the Shingles Vaccine Matters

The CDC recommends that all adults age 50 and older receive the shingles vaccine, even if:

  • You’ve already had shingles
  • You received the older Zostavax vaccine (Shingrix is now preferred)
  • You’re not sure whether you had chickenpox as a child

The current shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It’s given in two doses, typically two to six months apart.

By getting vaccinated, you dramatically reduce your risk of:

  • Developing shingles in the first place
  • Experiencing lasting nerve pain
  • Passing the virus on to immunocompromised individuals

Why Tulsa Adults Are Delaying the Vaccine—And Why That’s a Problem

Despite the clear benefits, many Tulsa residents over 60 delay getting the shingles vaccine due to:

  • Busy schedules
  • Trouble getting to a clinic or pharmacy
  • Concern about vaccine side effects
  • Simply not knowing it’s recommended

The risk? Every year you delay, your chances of developing shingles increase. Once you’ve had shingles, the vaccine can’t undo the damage—it can only prevent it from happening again.


In-Home Shingles Vaccination with Saving Grace Tulsa

At Saving Grace, we make it simple to protect yourself—without a trip to the clinic.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Schedule a visit online or by phone—we’ll work around your schedule.
  2. Our licensed provider arrives at your home with everything needed for safe, professional vaccination.
  3. We answer your questions, administer the vaccine, and help you prepare for your second dose.
  4. We can even send reminders when it’s time for dose #2—so nothing falls through the cracks.

Whether it’s just you or you want to schedule a vaccine visit for a spouse or caregiver, we can take care of it during one visit.


What About Side Effects?

Like most vaccines, Shingrix can cause mild side effects such as:

  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Fatigue or muscle aches
  • Mild fever or chills

These symptoms usually last 1–2 days and are far less severe than a shingles outbreak. Our providers will walk you through what to expect and how to manage discomfort, if any.


You’re Not Just a Patient—You’re a Person

At Saving Grace Tulsa, our mission is to bring accessible, compassionate care directly to your door. We understand how valuable your time, health, and independence are—especially as you age.

That’s why more adults across Tulsa are turning to us for:

  • In-home primary care
  • Chronic condition management
  • Vaccinations and wellness support
  • Urgent care without the waiting room

It’s healthcare on your terms—with providers who know your name and respect your time.


Don’t Wait for the Pain to Start—Prevent It Instead

Shingles can strike without warning—and once it hits, you may be dealing with months of pain. But with one proactive decision, you can protect yourself and your quality of life.

If you’re 60 or older and live in the Tulsa area, schedule your in-home shingles vaccine with Saving Grace today. It’s fast, convenient, and one of the best ways to invest in your future health.

Call or book online now to schedule your appointment—and experience why at Saving Grace, House Calls Are Back®.