CDC Gets Behind Shingles Shot
TOOLBOX   Resize
 Save/Share +
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
|
Almost all Americans 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, a painful, often debilitating condition that affects about 1 million people a year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended last week. The recommendation includes people who already have had shingles.
The CDC's advice comes almost two years after a provisional recommendation by the agency prompted a lengthy peer review process. It may mean that more physicians will now give the vaccine and more private insurers will cover its cost, said CDC spokesman Curtis Allen. The vaccine is already covered by Medicare Part D, according to the CDC.
Shingles, which usually surfaces as a rash on one side of the face or body, is caused by varicella zoster, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reappear as shingles later in life, causing severe pain that may last for weeks, months or even years. Starting an antiviral drug within 72 hours of onset can reduce the pain and length of the outbreak.
The number of Americans affected by shingles is increasing as the population ages, Allen said. Shingles occurs most frequently in people 50 and older. Rare complications such as pneumonia, hearing problems and blindness tend to occur after 60.
The CDC recommends a single dose of the vaccine Zostavax, which Allen said is effective for at least five to six years. "It doesn't appear that we will have to recommend a booster," he said, "but we will be monitoring this, and down the road we might."
More information is available at http:/
-- Laura Sessions Stepp
