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Adults at risk for developing shingles, a painful condition with an estimated 1 million cases annually in the United States, should consider being vaccinated against it, according to Dr. Linda Bean, medical director for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
“Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles,” she said. “While no one knows exactly why, it appears that the virus that causes chickenpox can lay dormant in a person for years and, as they age, reactivate causing shingles. Those over 60 are especially at risk.”
The doctor said that shingles often appears as a rash or blisters on the skin, generally on one side of the body.
The inflammation can cause a great deal of pain that can last for months and, in some cases, years.
“It’s for this reason that I urge those over 60 who are at risk to get the vaccine that has been shown to reduce the occurrence of shingles by about 50 percent,” Dr. Bean said. “It’s not 100 percent effective, but even in those who have already developed shingles, it has been shown to reduce the amount of pain experienced.”
Known as Zostavax, the vaccine is given as a single dose injection. Many private insurance plans and Medicare D cover all or part of the expense.
For those on limited incomes and without insurance, Merck, the drug manufacturer, makes it available at no cost through its prescription assistance program.
However, Dr. Bean said there are limitations on who can receive the vaccine.
“It’s typically being prescribed for those 60 and older,” she said. “Anyone allergic to neomycin or with a weakened immune system should not receive it. This includes those who are undergoing treatments such as radiation, currently taking steroids or with diseases such as AIDS or cancer of the lymph, bone or blood.”
Dr. Bean urged those interested in receiving Zostavax to discuss it with their medical provider, who should review their medical problems, any medications they are taking and any allergies they may have, including past reactions to other vaccines.
Individuals should also tell their health care provider if they expect to be in close contact with newborns, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, or someone who has problems with his or her immune system.
Common side effects from the vaccine include redness, pain, itching, swelling warmth or bruising where the shot was given or headaches.
Many physician offices can give the shot or arrange for the vaccination.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas also keeps a supply in stock and has seen an increasing number of requests for the immunization.
“We are happy to work with people and their insurance providers to see they get the vaccine,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK CEO. “This includes assisting those who otherwise can’t afford it with applying for the vaccine through the manufacturer’s no-cost program.”
Anyone needing additional information may call 231-9873, ext. 163.
Adults at risk for developing shingles, a painful condition with an estimated 1 million cases annually in the United States, should consider being vaccinated against it, according to Dr. Linda Bean, medical director for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
“Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles,” she said. “While no one knows exactly why, it appears that the virus that causes chickenpox can lay dormant in a person for years and, as they age, reactivate causing shingles. Those over 60 are especially at risk.”
The doctor said that shingles often appears as a rash or blisters on the skin, generally on one side of the body.
The inflammation can cause a great deal of pain that can last for months and, in some cases, years.
“It’s for this reason that I urge those over 60 who are at risk to get the vaccine that has been shown to reduce the occurrence of shingles by about 50 percent,” Dr. Bean said. “It’s not 100 percent effective, but even in those who have already developed shingles, it has been shown to reduce the amount of pain experienced.”
Known as Zostavax, the vaccine is given as a single dose injection. Many private insurance plans and Medicare D cover all or part of the expense.
For those on limited incomes and without insurance, Merck, the drug manufacturer, makes it available at no cost through its prescription assistance program.
However, Dr. Bean said there are limitations on who can receive the vaccine.
“It’s typically being prescribed for those 60 and older,” she said. “Anyone allergic to neomycin or with a weakened immune system should not receive it. This includes those who are undergoing treatments such as radiation, currently taking steroids or with diseases such as AIDS or cancer of the lymph, bone or blood.”
Dr. Bean urged those interested in receiving Zostavax to discuss it with their medical provider, who should review their medical problems, any medications they are taking and any allergies they may have, including past reactions to other vaccines.
Individuals should also tell their health care provider if they expect to be in close contact with newborns, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, or someone who has problems with his or her immune system.
Common side effects from the vaccine include redness, pain, itching, swelling warmth or bruising where the shot was given or headaches.
Many physician offices can give the shot or arrange for the vaccination.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas also keeps a supply in stock and has seen an increasing number of requests for the immunization.
“We are happy to work with people and their insurance providers to see they get the vaccine,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK CEO. “This includes assisting those who otherwise can’t afford it with applying for the vaccine through the manufacturer’s no-cost program.”
Anyone needing additional information may call 231-9873, ext. 163.
