I.Y.
Hi,
For what it's worth, I believe that the vaccine is the way to go. Whe I was about 20 years old my blood work showed that I had never been exposed to chicken pox so I got the vaccine. About 10 years later I DID develop chicken pox as an adult but it was a VERY MILD case so I think the vaccine was definitely worth it for me. It does not cover you 100% but it does make it so that, if you get the disease, it will be a much milder form. I have vaccinated my oldest and plan to vaccinate my younger one. I have not heard of the chicken pox vaccine helping to prevent shingles. There is another vaccine out there called Zostavax (just came out within the past 3 years) that helps prevent shingles, but it is usually only recommended for adults older than 60.