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This vaccine is important because it
protects against Shingles a painful skin rash also called Herpes
zoster. Each year, at least one million people in the United States
get shingles. Shingles is more common in people more than 50 years
of age than in younger people. It is also more common in people with
weakened immune systems such as people suffering from cancer or in
those taking drugs that affect the immune system.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same
virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, VZV
remains in the nerve cells of the body and can reappear years later
causing shingles. Shingles causes pain, itching and a tingling of
the skin and the person then develops a painful rash with blisters
usually in one area on one side of the body, often the face or
trunk. Sometimes other symptoms such as fever, headache, chill and
upset stomach occur. The pain may be very severe and rarely shingles
can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) or death.
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Who should receive the zoster vaccine?
Adults aged 60 years and older should get a single dose of the
zoster vaccine. The vaccine can be given to someone with a minor
illness, such as a cold, but anyone with a moderate or severe
illness, including fever over 101.3ºF, should wait until they are
better before getting the vaccine.
Those who should not be vaccinated with
the zoster vaccine include:
- People who have had a
life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic
neomycin or any other component of the vaccine
- People who have a weakened immune
system (for example those with HIV or other immunodeficiency,
people undergoing therapy for cancer, a history of cancer of the
bone marrow or lymphatic system, or those taking steroids or
other drugs that affect the immune system)
- People with active tuberculosis
who have not been treated
- People who are or might become
pregnant. Pregnancy should be delayed for at least 3 months
after getting the vaccine
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one
month behind.
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When did the
zoster vaccine become available?
In 2006, the zoster
vaccine was licensed for use in the United States
How does
someone become infected with Herpes zoster or Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same
virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, VZV
remains in the nerve cells of the body and can reappear years later
causing shingles.
How effective
is the zoster vaccine?
In clinical trials, the
zoster vaccine prevented shingles in about one half of adults aged
60 years and older. Even when the vaccine did not prevent shingles,
the vaccine reduced the pain and discomfort of in two thirds of
people who got shingles. The vaccine was most effective in people
aged from 60 to 69 years old but it also gave some protection for
older groups.
Are there any
serious side-effects of the zoster vaccine?
Mild side effects may
include:
- Injection-site soreness and
redness in about one third of people
- Headache (about 1 person out of
every 70 who receive the vaccine
No serious problems have been found
with the zoster vaccine. In very rare cases, a serious allergic
reaction may occur.
How do I learn
more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this vaccine or any vaccine is your
primary health care provider. Your provider can answer your
questions and you more information on the zoster vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you
can do for yourself to protect against shingles.
 
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