Yes, there is a vacine, but no you should not have it if you have or have had the shingles. Once you have had them and get them again, you will know right away that that is what it is and the quicker you get to the doctor and get on the meds the better off you will be. I was told by my doctor that they never go away, they just go dormant and can start back up at any time, usually with the pain and itching long before you see any rash. As long as you can see the blisters, they are contagious.