May 11--You many have noticed the signs at local drugstores, offering the shingles
vaccine to anyone over the age of 50.
The trend comes as result of a recent move by the Food and Drug
Administration to expand the age eligibility for the shingles vaccine,
Zostavax, which was previously approved only for patients over the age of 60.
Rite Aid, Wegmans and Walgreens are only a few of the pharmacies offering
this service. Cost may vary. Many insurance companies, including Medicare Part
D, cover the vaccine. Pharmacists at each of these establishments can help you
determine the amount of coverage your prescription benefits provide.
Some folks might be forced to pay out of pocket. And this is one of the
most expensive vaccines, currently in the $200 range, according to Rite Aid
spokesman Eric Harkreader. But if you feel you are at risk, because of your
age or because your immune system is compromised, the investment could
certainly pay off.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus -- the same virus that
produces chickenpox. It may remain dormant in the nerve tissue near the spinal
cord and brain for many years after the person has developed chickenpox. Its
symptoms are extremely painful, as the viral infection is characterized by an
abrasive rash -- usually along the chest and back. Other symptoms can include
fever and chills, headaches, fatigue and soreness in the body. A person with
the shingles can transmit the infection to someone who has never had
chickenpox, but they would develop chickenpox, not shingles.
The vaccine is not completely fail-safe, and is not recommended for those
who are allergic to gelatin. People with severely weakened immune system due
to HIV/AIDS, lymphoma or leukemia should also refrain from the vaccine. The
same is true for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Take extra precautions if you develop a rash and pain near the eyes. It
could lead to permanent eye damage, when left untreated.
Most shingles cases can be treated with antiviral and pain medications.
But if you have the opportunity to prevent it -- and your insurance pays for
it -- swing by your local drugstore. It could save you some grief down the
line.
themorningcall.com/healthblog
-----
To see more of The Morning Call, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.mcall.com.
Copyright (c) 2011, The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com.