Shingles Vaccine - What is the Shingles Vaccine? Is it effective?

FDA approved shingles vaccine. The FDA has approved the first vaccine for adult shingles called Zostavax. Studies showed it can prevent shingles roughly half the time. The shingles vaccine is only for adults who previously have had chickenpox. A dose of Zostavax will cost $152.50 and is meant for adults over the age of 60. The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection under the skin, preferably in the upper arm. 

A company called Merck Research Laboratories manufactures it. Merck research showed that the shingles vaccine reduced the incidence of shingles by half and pain and discomfort by nearly two-thirds. The most common side effects in people who received Zostavax shingles vaccine were redness, pain and tenderness, swelling at the site of injection, itching and headache. 

The shingles vaccine’s long-term effectiveness remains unclear. Merck has shown that it works for at least four years, and plans to track patients for a decade. The vaccine is not meant for those candidates who have a weak immune system due to cancer, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS or other causes. The vaccine contains live but weakened varicella virus that could overwhelm the immune systems of those patients. Zostavax is based on Merck’s chickenpox vaccine, Varivax, but is 14 times more potent. The FDA approved Varivax in 1995. A majority of American children now receive that vaccine. 

For more information about shingles vaccine, shingles treatment , shingles symptoms and other shingles information please check www.shingleshelpline.com . At Shingleshelpline.com you will find information available to you in an easy to understand format. You can also ask any shingles treatment question at the free “ask a shingles question” service at www.shingleshelpline.com