Press Release – 7-15-08

CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine

If you are over the age of 60, you should be vaccinated against shingles (herpes zoster), according to a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  CDC recommends a single dose of the Zostavax vaccine, for adults 60 years of age and older even if they have had shingles before.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed Zostavax in 2006.  Researchers found that, overall, in those people 60 and above, the vaccine lowered the cases of shingles by about 50 percent.  The most common side effects in people who received Zostavax were redness, pain and tenderness, swelling at the site of the shot, itching and headache. 

If you have had chickenpox, you are at risk for getting shingles.  9 out of 10 adults in the United States have had chickenpox.  The same virus that causes chickenpox - varicella zoster virus, causes shingles.   Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain present in the nerves in your body.  If it becomes active again, later in life, the result can cause shingles. 

“Shingles is a condition that can cause chronic pain for many older adults and can sometimes leave long term physical side effects”, said Val Tvrdy, Public Health Nurse from Four Corners Health Department.  Shingles isn’t always easy to recognize.  The first signs may include itching, tingling and burning.  It is characterized by clusters of blisters that develop on one side of the body or face.  This can be very painful and last for several weeks. For some people, shingles may lead to chronic pain that can last for months or even years.  This pain can range from burning or throbbing to pain that is stabbing or shooting.  Shingles can also lead to other serious complications that may include scarring, skin infections, muscle weakness, and decrease or loss of vision or hearing. 

The risk of developing shingles increases with age starting at around 50, and is highest in the elderly.  About one in three persons will develop shingles during their lifetimes, resulting in about one million cases of shingles per year.  There are some people who have allergies to the new shingles vaccine or have weakened immune systems and should

not receive Zostavax.   Seek the advice of your health care provider to determine if you should receive this very important vaccine. 

To learn more about shingles or Zostavax vaccine, contact the Four Corners Health Department at 877-337-3573.