It is estimated that 30 percent of
Americans will get shingles (herpes zoster) over the course of their
lifetime. The risk for getting the
disease increases as we age and 50 percent of those affected are 60 years or older. The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
“a single dose of zoster vaccine for all adults age 60 years and older whether
or not they report a prior episode of herpes zoster. Persons with chronic
medical conditions may be vaccinated unless a contraindication or precaution
exists for their condition.”
Vaccinations appear to decrease the severity
of shingles if you develop the disease after getting vaccinated. In a clinical study done in 2011, the vaccine
was found to be 66.5% effective in preventing postherpetic
neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles that affects nerve fibers and skin. Common side effects of the vaccine as
reported by the Mayo Clinic include “redness, pain, tenderness, swelling and
itching at the injection site, and headaches.”
In some cases patients may get a chicken pox-like rash.
Anyone who has had chicken pox is at
risk of getting the disease, and generally people only get shingles once
although there are cases of people having it a couple of times. If you do get the disease, there are antiviral
medications that can be taken at the first signs of shingles and help to reduce
pain, speed healing and reduce the risk of complications.
The CDC states that there are no
documented cases of the varicella-zoster virus being transmitted from adults given
the shingle vaccination so you do not have to be concerned about infecting
children or pregnant women. However if
you do get a rash, the Mayo Clinic recommends covering the bumps until they crust
over.
**This blog is intended for
informational purposes only. Always
consult your health care provider regarding all medical decisions. **
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Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/faq-20057859
immunize.org/askexperts/experts_zos.asp
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