 [ Symptoms ] is it dangerous for my infant grandchild to be exposed to shingles [ Disease ] yes active shingles herpes zoster is contagious by direct contact and sometimes even by indirect contact hands objects clothing etc  if the exposure is fresh infants have a very immature immune systems so exposure to herpes zoster may cause chicken pox varicella the same virus a child over one year is likely to have had the varicella vaccine and would be less vulnerable but a child under age one is likely to be at risk it would be best not to have direct contact with the baby at this time at least until you shingles has completely resolved as a grandparent you can certainly see the baby shingles is not airborne since shingles can appear on many different body surfaces chest back face etc  it is best to keep this area covered if possible until the lesions have resolved is it dangerous for my infant grandchild to be exposed to shingles