Shingles Vaccine Information

Shingles is a viral disease, developed due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (or herpes zoster virus) after several years of dormancy. This virulent strain causes chickenpox in adults and also in children. Once an individual gets infected with herpes zoster virus, it remains in an inactive state in certain nerves of the body, without causing noticeable symptoms. Before we take a brief look at shingles vaccine information, benefits and side effects, let's have a glance at shingles information.

Information on Shingles

In one out of every five people, the herpes zoster virus become virulent in the later stages and cause shingles (herpes zoster or simply zoster). Shingles disease results in painful rashes and fluid-filled blisters. It is contagious and can spread from one infected person to another through direct skin contact. In case, the newly infected patient had suffered from chickenpox before, then he/she will develop symptoms of shingles. Otherwise, herpes zoster virus causes chickenpox.

As of date, there is no permanent cure for shingles or herpes zoster. Antiviral treatment is done to manage painful shingles rash and shorten the healing process. Also, it helps prevent health complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and disseminated zoster. In recent years, medical researches have formulated shingles vaccine to prevent the onset of this painful disease.

Information on Shingles Vaccine

Considering the causes of shingles, individuals who have had chickenpox before are at a higher risk of developing shingles than others. Even though a few cases of shingles in children are reported, majority of the patients diagnosed with this skin disease are in their 60s. Thus, shingles vaccine is basically developed for administration in older patients.

Shingles Vaccine Formulation
The food and drug administration (FDA) has already approved shingles vaccine for use in people, who are above 60 years old. But, what makes up shingles vaccine? Marketed as Zostavax, it is formulated from the attenuated strains of herpes zoster virus, which provides immunity against shingles. This live vaccine is delivered in the upper arm as a single dose of injection.

Shingles Vaccination Candidate
As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults belonging to age group 60 and older should get shingles vaccination. People who have a compromised immune system because of underlying diseases such as AIDS/HIV and cancer can receive shingles vaccination under strict medical supervision.

Shingles Vaccine Benefits
According to a survey conducted in people aged 60 - 69, shingles vaccine is effective in preventing herpes zoster to approximately 50 percent, while the risk of postherpetic neuralgia is reduced by about 67 percent. With increased age, the effectiveness of shingles vaccine decreases gradually; about 41% in age group 70 - 79 and 18% in people older than 80 years.

Shingles Vaccine Risks
Shingles vaccine risk is a subject of concern, if rash like conditions are manifested at the injection site. Though such skin rashes are not so contagious as that of shingles symptoms, they may infect children and pregnant women who have not suffered from chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine. To avoid such a case, the rashes should be kept covered until they heal completely.

Shingles Vaccine Side Effects
The side effects of shingles vaccine are mild and subside without requiring therapeutic intervention. At the injection site, the skin may redden, swell, itch or develop rashes. Headache, cold, fever and flu like symptoms may be present in some people who have received shingles vaccine. In rare cases, it exacerbates asthma and heart diseases.

This was an overview pertaining to shingles vaccine information. In brief, people who have received this vaccine may still suffer from shingles, but the healing process is shortened and the risk of complications is minimized. Once vaccinated, the effects will last for about 4 - 6 years.