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In 2006, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine (Zostavax®) to prevent shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in people over age 60. Shingles is caused by re-activation of the chicken pox (varicella) virus in the body and is a major cause of chronic pain in older adults.
The shingles rash occurs in strips or “shingles” over one side of one section of the body. It starts as a red rash and progresses to vesicles, which ultimately burst and crust over to form a scab.
Shingles tends to be very painful. Although the rash lasts about 2-3 weeks, the pain becomes chronic in about 20% of all and up to 60% of older adults who have shingles. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia.
Shingles can occur anywhere on the body. If it affects the face it can permanently damage hearing or vision.
One dose of the Zostavax reduces the risk of developing shingles by about 51% and post-herpetic neuralgia by about 67%. The vaccine cannot treat the rash or pain caused by the rash. It is most effective in people aged 60-69 but there is no upper age limit. The most common side effects are soreness or itching at the vaccination site and headache. Sometimes a small rash occurs at the injection site.
A this time the vaccine is approved only for people over the age of 60 because that is the only population on which it has been studied. There are some people who should not get the shingles vaccine:
- Those who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.
- Those who have a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.
- People with a weakened immune system from diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, or AIDS.
- People being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as high-dose steroids.
All Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine. The amount of cost-sharing (money you have to pay) for vaccination varies. Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine. If you have private insurance check with your plan.
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This article is for educational purposes and is not personal medical advice.
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