When I got shingles, I did not receive any painkillers, only an antiviral. The rash was on the side of my neck and lasted for several weeks. The pain continued for months afterwards.
Getting shingles does not make you immune to getting it again, since the virus is hidden within the nerves. The shingles vaccine is not typically administered to people under 60. It is meant to boost immunity which wanes as one gets older, but is not 100% effective, since the immune system declines, especially in people over 65.
Most people who get shingles are over 60. I am younger than the typical shingles patient.
I have been pre-approved and have to get down to the clinic to get the shot.