As shingles are less contagious than chickenpox, you are at a lower risk of transferring the disease to other people as long as your blisters are covered and you have no direct contact with the infected person. The most effective way to reduce the risk of developing shingles is to get vaccinated against it, especially if you have had chickenpox. The CDC recommends that people over the age of 60 get a single dose of the shingles vaccine, to reduce the risk of shingles. There is some evidence suggesting getting immunized against Shingles even as early as age 50. Immunocompromised people should talk to their doctors about vaccination, and how to prevent shingles. This vaccine is publically funded in Ontario for seniors from 65-70 years of age.