 [ Symptoms ] i got chicken pox at 16yrs old can i still get shingles [ Disease ] most helpful answer yes you can in fact anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles in the future that is because shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox like chicken pox shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus once the virus has gotten into your body it gives you chicken pox after you have recovered from chicken pox the varicella zoster virus lies dormant inactive in your system if it ever re activates it causes shingles shingles can occur any people of any age but the rate of shingles increases as you get older according to the centers for disease control and prevention cdc about half of all shingles cases occur in people over age 60 there is a vaccine available to protect people age 60 and over from getting shingles if you do get shingles your doctor also can treat the symptoms of the outbreak with various medications if you are over age 60 i suggest you talk with your health care provider about whether or not the shingles vaccine is right for you hope this helps