Both chicken pox and shingles are caused by the same virus. After a person has had chicken pox, the virus remains in the body permanently, but inactive. About one-third of all people who have been infected with chicken pox later develop shingles.
Shingles usually starts as a rash with blisters and pain. The rash and pain usually occur in a band on one side of the body, or clustered on one side of the face.
It is recommended all adults age 50 and older receive the shingles vaccine series. Completion of two doses is considered a lifetime immunity.