submitted by Linda Schoene, Congregational Nurse
The CDC recently replaced its 2006 provisional recommendation for the shingles vaccine with a full recommendation. The vaccine is a more potent version of the vaccine used to prevent childhood chicken pox. The vaccine is recommended for individuals over the age of 60 who have a history of having chicken pox or receiving the chicken pox vaccine.
Shingles presents as a painful rash experienced by persons who have had chicken pox at some point in their lives. After an attack of chicken pox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue. It is most common in persons over the age of 50 and is triggered by a weakened immune system. It is estimated that shingles affects more than 500,000 individuals annually.
Shingles presents as a painful rash, but it is the postherpectic neuralgia (PHN) that is the most troubling complication. PHN is a condition where the pain from shingles persists for months after the rash has resolved. While the shingles outbreak can be successfully treated with antiviral medications such as Valtrex, treatment of PHN has not enjoyed similar success and is a source of painful frustration for many individuals. Research has not shown benefits of the vaccine for those who have already had shingles or are experiencing PHN.
The shingles vaccine is currently recommended for people over the age of 60 who have had chickenpox, but have never had shingles. If you think the vaccine may have benefit for you, contact your health care provider. The vaccine is contraindicated for those with a compromised immune system (HIV/Aids, long term steroid treatment or cancer therapy), those who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy and those with an allergy to gelatin or neomycin. Many pharmacies now offer a wide range of vaccines. Check out your local pharmacy for availability, cost and insurance billing options.