An Effective Shingles Vaccine – Zostavax

Singles is a skin illness which is common among people aged 60 and above. Around one million people develop the illness, which comes from the same virus which caused them chicken pox before. Shingles start as a rash, an indication that the dormant virus which caused the chicken pox developed again and has travelled from the nerves to the skin. But as opposed to chicken pox, shingles is much more painful and can cause chronic pain in a person.

Zostavax is a vaccine against shingles. It can help adults which are aged from 60 and above to be protected from developing the condition. As soon as a person hits 60, it is best for them to have the vaccine, since it will increase in terms of potency.

Zostavax is given one time only, and can only be used as a Zostavax Side Effects preventive means against shingles. It cannot cure the condition and does not lessen the pain once you develop it. However, before having the shots administered to you, it is best to consult your doctor about the possible risks that it poses to your health.

For instance, if you are allergic to any or some of its ingredients, you should not have it. Such ingredients which can develop into an allergic reaction include neomycin and gelatin. A weak immune system can also be cause for you to be prohibited from taking the vaccine. Moreover, pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant should not take the vaccine.

Another important precaution about taking Zostafax is that you should not take it at the same time when you take the pneumococcal vaccine. You should also take utmost care when you take the medicine, because it contains a weakened chickenpox virus. If you have to get close to children or to pregnant women immediately after the vaccine is administered to you, be careful and let them know that you just received the shot.

Your doctor can let you know about the situations which you should avoid. Zostavax has been proven to be more effective when it is administered in the earliest time possible. Moreover, those who developed shingles have reduced pain because of the effect of Zostafax on their bodies. It is best to take all the precautionary care possible to avoid developing serious and painful conditions later on in life. By getting this vaccine you should be well protected against shingles.

New Shingles Vaccine Promoted by Government Advisory Panel

A government advisory panel recommended to an FDA advisory panel that routine vaccinations should be put into place in order to protect older citizens from the threat of shingles. The Advisory Committee on immunizations voted to recommend routine vaccinations in patients 60 and older.

Shingles is a painful skin rash which produces blisters which usually go away after 4 weeks. One in 5 of seniors that contract shingles suffer excruciating long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.

According to MSNBC.com, “Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. An estimated 15 percent to 30 percent of people infected with the virus develop shingles later in life. The virus essentially hibernates for decades in nerve cells around the spine. It reactivates in some patients, probably because the body’s immune system weakens with age, doctors say.”

The recent FDA approval was based on a study that involved 19,000 out of 38,000 people which received the vaccine, the rest received a placebo. People who received the real vaccine got shingles at half the rate of those who received the placebo vaccine.

The vaccine which is produced by Merck, is a stronger version of a vaccine currently used to treat chickenpox. The vaccine is currently covered by some insurance health plans however coverage is expected to grow with the recent FDA approval. The vaccine costs around a $160 a shot. Hopefully this will remedy the majority of problems expirienced by seniors that are affected by shingles.

Shingles Prevention – Medicare Coverage and Vaccination Information

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so goes the old saying. Presently, Medicare Part B covers the flu, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines. Medicare does not, however, cover the shingles vaccination, but there is a good possibility this may change in the future.

At the moment, one in three persons will develop shingles. The good news is you can lower your risk for getting this disease with the Zostavax vaccine that was approved for shingles in 2006. It is recommended for those who are 60 years of age and up as a method of protection from the symptoms and complications of this disease.

Shingles, or Herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus (varicella zoster, VZV) that causes chickenpox. It is marked by pain, red rash, and fluid filled blisters. The virus is never leaves the body. it stays hidden and dormant in the nerve fibers of the body until some assault on the immune system reactivates it. Getting vaccinated with requirements for a Zostavax lawsuit, a chickenpox booster, can help prevent this painful event from intruding on your life. The vaccine is also effective in reducing the risks and complications of posterherpetic neuralgia.

How much does it cost?

Merck, the manufacturer of zostavax, is charging around $150 per injection. Hospitals and doctors are charging about $300. This cost may be out of reach for those who do not have medical coverage, or can not otherwise afford it.

Shingles occurs only in people who have had a prior case of chickenpox. Shingles can not be passed on to someone else as shingles. However, the virus can be passed to another via person to person contact, but if that person never had chickenpox, they are not immune for getting it. If you have never had varicella, it would be in your best interest to stay away from someone who is currently having an active infection, that is unless you want chickenpox.

Who gets the vaccine?

Zostavax is approved for seniors, but is contraindicated for some people due to other chronic illness that may be present, such as:

HIV/AIDS
Any immune disturbance
People who have had chemotherapy treatment for cancer
History of cancer
If you are currently suffering from any illness
if you are on steroids or anti-rejection drugs
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

If you are planning to get this vaccine, avoid pregnancy for at least three months after having the injection.
The vaccine carries very little risk, however there is always the chance of having a reaction, particularly if you have an allergy to gelatin. Check with your health care provider to see if this vaccine will benefit you.

If you are having a lot of stress in your life, which is a risk factor for getting shingles, stress management is important to reduce your risk. You can try yoga, imagery, meditation, and biofeedback, as well as many other modalities that help to reduce stress.

Whether you have Medicare or some other private insurance, check your policy or give your agent a call to see if your Zostavax vaccine is covered.