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Experts recommend that anyone over 50 years of age should get vaccinated.
Christine E. Kistler MD, associate professor of family medicine and geriatric medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill says that “Shingles don’t just cause itchy, annoying rash that lasts several weeks.” It can also be extremely painful. After the rash is gone, a significant number of people feel severe nerve pain. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN span>
Shingrix protects against severe, long-term rash diseases.
Anybody who has ever been infected with Chickenpox is at risk. Kistler says that almost all people over 50 are at risk. According to the CDC, 99.5% were affected by Chickenpox in people born before 1980. Many people don’t even know what Chickenpox is.
Kistler stated that the vaccine doesn’t prevent shingles in everyone. Kistler states that the vaccine will reduce your chances of developing shingles. Additionally, you will experience fewer complications. We want to prevent all negative side effects from shingles.
Shingles explained
Shingles are caused by Varicella-zoster virus, (VZV). This virus is also responsible for Chickenpox. The virus remains in your body even after you have been cured of Chickenpox. The virus is still present in your spine and nerve tissue, but it’s dormant. It can be silent for years. It can also reactivate in later life as shingles.
Shingles blisters are usually found on one side. It usually appears in one area of the torso, on either the right or left side. Shingles pain can cause burning, itching, and tingling sensations. Shingles pain can also be felt around the eyes and in the skin. If it is affecting the eyes, it can cause vision loss.
Some people can get the rash to spread to other parts of their body, particularly those who have a compromised immune system. It can cause brain inflammation, death, hearing loss, and pneumonia.
Kistler states that even though these complications are rare they can still happen due to the virus. Postherpetic neurogia is the most common complication. This condition can be severe and last for months, if not treated promptly.
Who should receive the Shingles Vaccine
Adults over 50 years old should use it. Shingrix was approved by the FDA for people aged 18 and over who are at higher risk of developing shingles due to immunodeficiency. Shingrix is recommended to people who have ever had shingles. It can be taken more than once. Kistler says that vaccination decreases the chance of getting shingles again.
Duncan Isley was 45 years old when he got shingles. He received a vaccine. He stated that the outbreak was not as severe as other stories. He does not want it to happen again.
I experienced the usual torso rash and back pain. Isley, now 53 years old, lives in Durham NC. It was a difficult experience, he said. I advise my friends to get vaccinated.
It is a good idea if you have an older Zostavax vaccine Shingrix to get vaccinated. In 2020, this vaccine was removed from the market. Kathleen Dooling MD MPH, a physician and expert on shingles disease at CDC, stated that Zostavax’s protective qualities diminish with time.
Zostavax protected Shingles in the first year after vaccination. The vaccine prevented the spread of the disease in 60% of cases. This percentage drops over time and it isn’t clear that vaccines provide any protection.
Do you have any questions about whether you were vaccinated with Zostavax or Shingrix? The timing of your vaccinations could be key to your answer. Shingrix was approved by the FDA in October 2017. Zostavax could be used in place of Shingrix if it was unavailable. If you’re not sure, your doctor can help you. Shingrix, the only VZV vaccine currently available in the US, is Shingrix.
Who shouldn’t get the Shingles Vaccine
In certain cases, you might not require shingles vaccination. Shingrix should not be used if you have had a severe reaction to vaccines. Anaphylaxis refers to severe breathing problems, swelling of the airway and mouth, or a condition called severe allergic reaction.
Shingrix should not be used if:
- Let’s say you are allergic to any vaccine component. These could include the antibiotic Neomycin or gelatin. If you have other allergies, inform your doctor before taking Shingrix.
- You have shingles, or another illness. You can get the vaccine if you are healthy.
- You should not wait to get vaccinated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- VZV, the virus that causes Chickenpox was not tested in this case. If you are over 50, it is likely that you will get Chickenpox. The CDC does not recommend this. The CDC recommends you get the chickenpox vaccine if you have not suffered from this childhood disease.
Discuss with your doctor any conditions or medications that may affect your immune system.
Kistler says that each individual’s decision is based on their particular medical conditions and medications. Shingrix is a topic Kistler often discusses with her specialist physicians.
Dooling claimed that Medicare data showed that vaccines were available for people with compromised immune systems. She stated that the CDC has been studying Shingrix vaccination in this group and will soon issue additional advice.
What other information do you need about the Shingles Vaccine (Shingles Vaccine)?
Are you ready for a vaccine? This guide will explain how shots are administered and side effects.
Two doses are required to protect against shingles. Your pharmacist will inject the vaccine into your upper arm muscles. You should wear clothes that make it easy to access the vaccine.
You can receive your second dose if it has been more than 6 months since you last received your dose. Dooling suggests that you do not have to start over.
Shingrix is still an experimental drug. Experts don’t know if you will require another shot or booster many years later.
She said that the CDC monitors how protected people after two doses. After four years, we know that protection has increased to 85%. We will soon see how durable this protection is.
It is not necessary to wait between the Shingrix vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered in the same dose of Shingrix as the Shingrix vaccination, but the CDC recommends that they are administered in separate arms. You should not get either vaccine if you have COVID.
Side effects are quite common. Side effects can be quite common.
Kistler states that side effects from shingles vaccines are much more common than those of the seasonal flu vaccine. This is what the shingles vaccine might cause:
- Redness and swelling will occur at the injection site
- An injection may cause pain in the arm.
- Headache
- Shivering
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
These side effects typically disappear in 2 to 3 days. Side effects can disrupt one’s day and affect 1/6 people. Martha Howard, 70, resides in Strawberry Plains.
“I didn’t experience any side effects after my first shot. However, the second shot was the most difficult. They gave me every prescription. Howard stated that they were gone three days later, making me miserable.
Dooling indicates that side effects can be seen as short-term pain in return for long-term benefits. These side effects are an indication that your immune system is activating.
Her advice? Once you have booked your shots, make a plan to allow you to rest and recover if needed. You may be more comfortable using over-the-counter pain medications, she says.
Shingrix’s cost will depend on your health insurance. Shingrix is covered under private insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act, according to Sean Clements, head of Vaccines Communications at GSK.
Shingrix is covered under Medicare Part D. These out-of-network fees are usually low at $5 per shot.
Clements stated that the cost out-of-pocket varies depending upon the Medicare Part D plan. An average cost of 50 cents per dose is however.
Shingrix might be an option for you if your Medicare Part D out-of-pocket spending limit has not been exceeded. Your income is the most important factor. GSK For You offers additional information on the patient assistance program.
The Shingrix vaccine is always in stock. If you attempted to get Shingrix vaccines in 2018, or 2019, your doctor or pharmacist might have advised you that the vaccine was not in stock.
Dooling asserts that there has been an increase in supply and that there will be no shortage.
Shingles are an effective and safe way to avoid the pain and complications of shingles. This is a horrible disease you do not want. If you’re unsure, ask someone who has experienced it.
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