Who Should Get The Zostavax Shingles Vaccine?

The shingles virus is an unsightly belt-like rash accompanied by pain

, which is a form of chickenpox that usually comes later in life. The visible symptoms last 2-4 weeks, as do other symptoms like fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, body aches and discomfort. Of those who develop shingles, 1 in 5 suffer a serious complication known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which means the pain lingers long after the blistering sores have gone. People over the age of 60 who have weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing this condition. The Zostavax shingles vaccine is the best way to reduce one's risk.

Zostavax was licensed in 2006 and has undergone trials involving upwards of 20,000 individuals to date. A single dose administered by inoculation into the upper arm was proven to lower the possibility of shingles by 50% as well as the possibility of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) by 67%. The few people who developed the disease despite the vaccine usually experienced less discomfort and required less medication than the ones who weren't inoculated.

The drug is believed to be extremely safe. The only serious risk related to it is for individuals who are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. About one-third of patients report swelling, redness or soreness at the injection site. One in seventy individuals say they developed a headache immediately after their vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the shingles vaccine to nearly all people who are over 60 years of age. However, there are certain categories of people who should not be vaccinated. For instance, people who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or another component of the vaccine should avoid Zostavax. Other poor candidates include people with HIV, AIDS, lymphoma, leukemia and untreated/active tuberculosis. Patients who are taking steroids, Humira, Remicade, Enbrel, radiation or chemotherapy should also decline. Pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive should avoid the vaccine. Women who are vaccinated should then wait at least four weeks before trying to conceive a child.

Some patients wonder how they will pay for the shingles vaccine. All Medicare Part D plans cover the herpes zoster vaccine, whereas Medicare Part B plans do not. Private insurance carriers and Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine, depending on your plan. There have been many reports of insurance companies refusing to cover the $200 vaccine. Dr. Jon Hallberg explains on Minnesota Public Radio: "I think insurance plans are simply thinking that, 'Look, if it's only 60 percent effective, this may not be worth us covering for all of our patients over the age of 60.'"

by: Matthew Cullen.

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