Vaccines have played a critical role in public health throughout history, from ancient civilizations' use of variolation to modern vaccination. The English physician, Edward Jenner, discovered modern vaccination in the late 18th century by injecting cowpox into a young boy, which led to immunity against smallpox. Vaccines were later developed against other diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis, as well as viral diseases chicken pox and shingles. 

The new shingles vaccine, called Shingrix was approved around 2017 and is recommended for individuals over 50 years old. The vaccine boosts the immune response to the virus, reducing the risk and severity of shingles symptoms.