CDC Recommends Shingrix Over Zostavax To Prevent Shingles

shingrix-shingles-vaccine

If you are over the age of 50, then it may be time for you to get a new vaccine. The Center for Disease Control now recommends that people get the Shingrix shingles vaccine instead of Zostavax.

The CDC has stated that people can still get Zostavax. However, the CDC made their recommendations based on evidence that Shingrix is safer and works better than Zostavax. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization voted 14-to-1 to recommend this vaccine. They voted for this vaccine back in October 2017.

Shingles is a rash that is both blistering and painful. The rash typically goes away within a few weeks. However, it can potentially lead to complications. Postherpetic neurologia is one of the complications of shingles. This is pain that can last for several years after the rash is gone.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus remains dormant in the body after a person gets over the chicken pox. However, the virus can be reactivated years later. This can lead to shingles.

Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles. However, the risk of developing shingles increases as you get older. It is estimated that 30 percent of people will develop shingles at some point. If you have a weak immune system, then you are even more likely to develop complications from shingles.

According to the CDC, Shingrix shingle vaccine is more effective for preventing shingles than the other vaccine. This vaccine is 90 percent effective. The Zostavax shot is anywhere from 38 to 70 percent effective.  Furthermore, Zostavax is notorious for having the side effect of bringing on the shingles virus, the very condition it is supposed to prevent.

The Shingrix shingles vaccine will likely be covered by health insurance companies because it is recommended by the CDC. The coverage will hopefully start in April. It is a good idea for you to talk to your doctor about whether this vaccine is right for you.

People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine should not get it. It is also important to note that this vaccine has not been tested on pregnant women and breastfeeding women. Furthermore, anyone who has any symptoms of shingles should not get the vaccination. You will have to wait until the symptoms go away before you can get the vaccine.

Many people are worried about the potential side effects of this vaccine. Any vaccine can cause side effects. However, there have not been any serious side effects reported.  There were 16,600 people who participated in clinical trials for Shingrix.  Some of the most commonly reported side effects include upset stomach, fever and shivering. However, these side effects typically last less than three days.  It can also cause pain in the injection site. This pain may last for up to three days after receiving the injection.  Researchers plan on conducting more studies in the future in order to determine the safety of the vaccine.

Shingrix is given in two doses. The total cost of the vaccine is $280. Insurance companies will likely cover the entire cost of the vaccine. The vaccine will also be covered by Medicare Part D.

Learn more about the Shingles Vaccine.

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