Shingles is a painful and long lasting condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, commonly known as the chickenpox virus. In adults over the age of 60, this virus can reactivate and cause an outbreak of shingles. People over the age of 70 are at greater risk of developing shingles, which is why it is recommended that those 70 and older should receive the shingles vaccine.
The shingles vaccine prevents approximately 50% of shingles cases, reduces the severity and duration of symptoms in those who still develop shingles after getting the vaccine, and helps protect against the post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) associated with shingles. This PHN is a long-lasting nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the initial outbreak of shingles.
The shingles vaccine is given as a single dose injection, and it is recommended that adults over the age of 70 receive the vaccine even if they have already had shingles. While the vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing shingles, it is still important to get it due to the serious complications associated with shingles and PHN.
If you are over the age of 70, discuss with your doctor if the shingles vaccine is right for you. Vaccinating against shingles is an important part of keeping yourself healthy and reducing your risk of developing a long-lasting, painful condition.
Why don t doctors recommend shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine has become a popular choice for those looking to ward off this painful and often long-lasting condition, however many physicians and healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it. This reluctance may stem from several reasons, and understanding these reasons is essential for anyone considering the shingles vaccine.
First, the shingles vaccine is relatively new and there isn’t much long-term data or research available to gauge its effectiveness. It’s also important to note that, although the shingles vaccine is widely recommended for adults over the age of 60, it is not 100% effective in preventing the condition. That’s why many doctors recommend taking additional steps, such as getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet and limiting stress, to reduce your risk of developing shingles.
Second, the shingles vaccine can be costly. The cost varies depending on where you live, but it typically runs around $200 or more. This cost is usually not covered by health insurance, so it’s a major financial consideration.
Finally, the shingles vaccine is a live vaccine, which means that those who take it may still be at risk of developing shingles. That’s because the virus is still present in the body and could become active if the person’s immune system weakens due to age, illness or other factors.
For these reasons, many doctors are wary of recommending the shingles vaccine, particularly to younger adults who are less likely to experience the condition. However, for older adults who are at greater risk, the shingles vaccine is often recommended in order to provide some level of protection. Ultimately, the decision to take the shingles vaccine should be made in consultation with your physician.
Does Shingrix have long-term side effects?
Shingrix is a vaccine used to prevent shingles in adults aged 50 years and over. It is considered safe and effective with very few side effects and no known long-term side effects.
The most common short-term side effects reported with Shingrix are soreness, redness, itching and swelling at the injection site. This typically lasts for 1 or 2 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications or cold compresses. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headache and fever. These usually lessen within 48 hours and can be managed with rest and over-the-counter medications as necessary.
Due to its effectiveness and safety, Shingrix is generally recommended for people over the age of 50 who have never had shingles. The vaccine is administered in two doses spaced two to six months apart. It is important to receive both doses for optimal immunity.
Overall, Shingrix is an excellent way to protect yourself against shingles. It has been proven to be safe and effective with minimal short-term side effects. There are no known long-term side effects associated with the vaccination.
Why is the shingles vaccine so expensive for seniors?
Shingles is a painful and debilitating condition that affects nearly one million people in the United States each year, with the highest incidence being among seniors. Unfortunately, the shingles vaccine is expensive for seniors—but why?
The cost of the shingles vaccine is largely due to the fact that it is an “orphan drug”—a medication that has been developed to treat a rare disease or disorder, so it typically has a higher price. In this case, the shingles vaccines were designed to treat a condition that primarily affects seniors, so they are considered an orphan drug and are more expensive as a result.
Additionally, the shingles vaccine must be delivered in two doses and must be stored at very cold temperatures, which can increase the cost for providers. Furthermore, because many insurance companies do not cover the full cost of the vaccine, it is often out-of-pocket for many seniors.
Finally, the shingles vaccine is fairly new, which means that pharmaceutical companies can charge a high price and still have access to a large market. As the demand for the vaccine increases and the cost to manufacture it drops (due to economies of scale) we may see the cost of the vaccine come down.
In the meantime, if you are a senior who needs the shingles vaccine, be sure to discuss your options with your doctor. Some pharmacies offer discounts on the vaccine, and it’s worth checking to see if you can take advantage of lower out-of-pocket costs.
Is there a lawsuit against the shingles vaccine?
When it comes to vaccination, it is wise to be aware of the potential risks. Some people have reported developing a variety of conditions after receiving the shingles vaccine. As a result, there have been a number of lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of the shingles vaccine.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The shingles vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Since then, it has become the most widely used vaccine for adults aged 50 and older.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one million people in the US are affected by shingles every year. The shingles vaccine, also known as Zostavax, is intended to reduce the incidence of shingles and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause lingering pain or numbness, particularly in the elderly.
Despite its effectiveness, some people have reported experiencing side effects, such as severe rashes, severe headaches, joint pain, and long-term numbness or paralysis after receiving the shingles vaccine. In response to these reports, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Merck & Company, the maker of Zostavax. The lawsuits allege that Merck failed to provide adequate warnings to healthcare providers and patients about the risks associated with the vaccine.
If you or a loved one have suffered any adverse effects after receiving the shingles vaccine, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorney can help you understand more about the lawsuits, determine whether you may be eligible for compensation, and advise you on the best course of action.
What percentage of people get shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. In the United States, an estimated one million people are affected by shingles each year. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime.
The majority of cases are seen in adults over the age of 50, however anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. Risk factors for shingles include age, weakened immune system, and certain health conditions.
Shingles typically causes a painful rash on the body that can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms of shingles include pain, burning, or tingling in the affected area, a red rash, blisters, fever, fatigue, and headache. Complications of shingles include postherpetic neuralgia, a condition in which the pain lasts long after the rash has disappeared.
Early diagnosis and treatment of shingles is important as it can help reduce the potential for long-term complications. Treatments for shingles include antiviral medications and pain relievers. Vaccines for shingles are also available, with the CDC recommending the shingles vaccine for adults over the age of 50.
If you are looking for more information on shingles, its symptoms, risks, treatments, and prevention, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Can Shingrix cause Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Shingrix is a vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline for the prevention of shingles. It was approved for use in adults aged 50 and over in 2017. The vaccine is highly effective, offering up to 97% protection against shingles.
While the Shingrix vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is possible that certain side effects may occur in rare cases. One such potential side effect is Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). GBS is an autoimmune disorder which causes weakness and tingling in the arms and legs. It is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking nerve cells.
Recent studies have suggested that there may be a link between the Shingrix vaccine and an increased risk of GBS. A study published in 2019 looked at data from more than 4 million people and found that those who had received the Shingrix vaccine were twice as likely to develop GBS compared to those who had not. However, the study did not conclude that the vaccine was the direct cause of GBS, as other factors may have been involved.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported that, out of 14 million people who had been vaccinated with Shingrix, there were only 53 confirmed cases of GBS. This indicates that GBS is an extremely rare side effect of the Shingrix vaccine.
It is important to note that the benefits of the Shingrix vaccine far outweigh any risks. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 50 or older get vaccinated against shingles with the Shingrix vaccine. They also recommend that people who have already had a case of shingles should get vaccinated to help prevent future episodes.
In conclusion, although rare, GBS is an potential side effect of the Shingrix vaccine. However, the vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles, and the CDC strongly recommends that adults aged 50 and over receive the Shingrix vaccine.
