Not Getting Vaccinated Is The Real Risk
If you’re researching the risks and benefits of vaccines, it’s imperative also to research the diseases they’re meant to protect against. “The risks of these diseases are real,” Groves warned.
“We often don’t realize their seriousness because the vaccines have existed for so long we don’t see them in society. This can cause a lax attitude, or even a larger fear of the vaccine than of the condition it’s aiming to treat,” she said.
What Vaccines Are Recommended For People Over 50
You probably didn’t know that the Centers for Disease Control recommends 14 vaccines for adults over 50.
Don’t worry, though you probably got most of them when you were young, and you don’t currently need to worry about getting boosters or newer versions because they still offer a high degree of protection.
Others may be recommended only for people at higher risk, such as frequent travelers, health care workers, and the immunocompromised. For most Americans over 50, four vaccines should be on your radar:
- The COVID-19 vaccine
- The Shingrix vaccine for zoster
- A combination vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria
However, because the prevalence of diseases is ever-changing, and the FDA approves safer and more powerful new vaccines from time to time, it’s a good idea to use the CDC’s online Vaccine Quiz to find out which vaccines are recommended for you.
Should I Get A Vaccine
Doctors say most healthy people over 50 should get Shingrix, as well as anyone 19 or older who are immunocompromised. Itâs available at pharmacies as well as doctorsâ offices. Most people have been exposed to the chickenpox even if they didnât actually develop symptoms.
You should get the Shingrix vaccine unless:
- You are allergic to any part of the vaccine
- Had a blood test that proves you never had chicken pox
- Have shingles now
- Are breastfeeding or nursing.
Also Check: Is The Shingles Vaccine 100 Effective
Shingles Vaccine Lawyers In Houston
You need a solid legal team on your side if youre looking to take on pharmaceutical companies. Reich & Binstocks Houston pharmaceuticals injury lawyers have the experience, skills, and tenacity to challenge Merck in court for its negligence.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation if Zostavax caused your vaccine injury. Our phone number is . Reich & Binstock has a solid reputation for fighting against drug manufacturers and handles cases for clients experiencing injuries from medicines such as Injectafer, Xeljanz, Zantac, Elmiron, and more.
There is a never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
Side Effects Of Shingles Vaccine
The most common shingles shot side effects include pain and soreness at the injection site. Some people also notice a bit of redness, swelling or itching at the site of the shot. Other side effects of the shingles vaccine may include fatigue, muscle pain, headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. According to the CDC, side effects are more common in younger people than older people.
Most people can resume their regular activities immediately after vaccination. However, about 1 out of 6 people develop flu-like symptoms that last anywhere from 1 to 3 days.
Side effects can occur after the first, second, or both doses of Shingrix vaccine. If possible, it is a good idea to schedule vaccination the day before some downtime, so you can rest if you develop side effects.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after shingles vaccination, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control your fever and improve comfort. Those who develop flu-like symptoms after their first dose of vaccine may want to pre-medicate with ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour or so before their second dose. Your healthcare provider can answer your questions about shingles vaccine side effects and pre-medication for vaccination.
Serious side effects are rare, but not impossible, after shingles vaccination. If you develop hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or sudden dizziness or weakness, and seek medical care immediately.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Shingles At Home
Who Should Not Get Shingrix
You should not get Shingrix if you:
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
- Currently have shingles.
- Currently are pregnant. Women who are pregnant should wait to get Shingrix.
If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you may get Shingrix. But if you have a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever, you should usually wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
Rare Side Effects Of The Shingles Vaccine
In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may occur. This can be a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving the shingles vaccine include:
Typically, these side effects appear immediately or within a few minutes of vaccination your vaccination provider may be present. If you experience them after leaving the office, call 911.
Recommended Reading: How Many Shingles Are In One Bundle
What Does The Shingles Virus Do
Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by varicella-zoster virus , which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who previously had chickenpox, still has the virusit just lies dormant in the body and can develop into the shingles later in life. This is why anyone previously infected with chickenpox can become infected with shingles.
The shingles virus causes a rash to break out, which can often cause itching, burning, and pain. It can last anywhere between two to four weeks and the majority of people infected with the virus do make a full recovery.
Symptoms
The first symptoms to show are: fever, weakness, burning, and tingling. A few days after the initial symptoms, the first signs of the rash will appear. Red or pink blotchy patches will start to appear on your body and can cause shooting pain in some cases, possibly even spreading to the eye. During this stage, shingles is not contagious.
After the initial few days, the rash develops into blisters, which are like chickenpox. They develop over the course of a few days, although they dont spread over your entire body. Blisters commonly occur on the torso and face.
Once blisters develop, shingles can become contagious. No one can catch shingles from someone infected with it, but if you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you can contract chickenpox from someone who has shingles.
Vaccine Side Effects & Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vaccine side effect, you should contact a vaccine lawyer with experience in this type of complex litigation.
We have recently partnered with Schmidt & Clark, LLP a Nationally recognized law firm who handles vaccine lawsuits in all 50 states.
The lawyers at the firm offer a Free Confidential Case Evaluation and may be able to obtain financial compensation for you or a loved one by filing a vaccine lawsuit or claim with The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Schmidt & Clark today by using the form below or by calling them directly at .
Also Check: What Is The Most Effective Shingles Vaccine
What Are The Advantages Of Getting The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of getting shingles. Shingles causes a painful rash that usually develops on one side of your body or face. Some people describe the pain as an intense burning or shooting sensation. The rash is often a single strip that wraps around one side of your body or is on one side of your face. It consists of blisters that normally crust over in seven to 10 days. The rash generally clears up within a month.
Some people with shingles also experience additional symptoms including fever, headache, chills or upset stomach.
For some people, the pain from the rash can last for months or even years after the rash goes away. This long-term pain is called postherpetic neuralgia , and it is the most common complication of shingles.
How Effective Are Vaccines
We asked Dr. Ram Koppaka, Associate Director for Adult Immunization at the CDC, how effective its recommended vaccines are.
Equally important is the second type of protection vaccines offer: Lessening the severity and duration of an illness if a person contracts the target disease despite being vaccinated.
“People like to hone in on specific numbers,” he said, “but the reality is that I can’t give you one number that applies across the spectrum of vaccines. Recommended vaccines are highly effective, each in their way.”
Vaccines provide benefits in two different ways. The first type of protection they offer is preventing the target disease, and this is where effectiveness can vary the most.
For example, getting an annual flu shot lessens your risk of coming down with the flu by 40 to 60%
The Shingrix vaccine, on the other hand, prevents shingles in over 90% of fully vaccinated adults with normal immune function. In addition, the tetanus vaccine is so effective that only 30 cases are reported annually nationwide virtually all of which are among the unvaccinated.
Equally important is the second type of protection vaccines offer: Lessening the severity and duration of an illness if a person contracts the target disease despite being vaccinated.
Again, using the flu vaccine as an example, Koppaka said, “The flu vaccine reduces the incidence of influenza by 40 to 60%, but it is extraordinarily effective at preventing hospitalization and death from influenza.”
Don’t Miss: How Many Shots For Shingles Vaccine
Itchy Skin Near The Injection Site
Itchy skin, also called pruritus, can potentially occur near the injection site after receiving Shingrix. Itching, swelling, and redness arent usually a huge cause for concern, as they often occur together as a localized reaction.
Applying Benadryl gel or hydrocortisone cream around the injection area can help reduce itchy, swollen, or red skin. If the itching worsens or spreads away from the injection site, get in touch with your doctor.
Is There Anyone That Should Not Take Zostavax
Zostavax was designed for patients aged 50 and over. Therefore, it is recommended that persons under the age of 50 should not take the medication.
In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the following two categories of persons should not take the drug:
- HIV/Aids or another disease that affects the immune system,
- treatment with drugs that affect the immune system ,
- cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy, or
- cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.25
Please also note that women should not become pregnant until at least four weeks after getting Zostavax.26
In addition, people with a minor illness, like the flu, may be vaccinated with the drug. But, people with a moderate to severe illness should wait before taking Zostavax until they recover from their sickness. 27
Recommended Reading: What Can You Put On Shingles For Itching
Who Shouldnt Receive Shringrix
Although vaccines go through rigorous safety testing to ensure they are safe, they arent suitable for everyone. You shouldnt receive Shingrix if you:
- have an active shingles infection
- have a severe illness or a fever of 101.3°F or higher
- have had a severe allergic reaction to Shingrix or any ingredient in the vaccine
- have no immunity to varicella based on a blood test carried out for other reasons
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you currently have shingles, another serious illness, or a fever of 101.3°F , wait until these issues have resolved to receive a Shingrix vaccination.
What Is Hearing Loss
There are three types of hearing loss. These are:
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:
- muffling of speech and sounds,
- difficulty understanding words,
- asking others to speak more slowly,
- withdrawal from conversations, and
- avoidance of social settings.13
If Zostavax does cause a person to suffer from hearing loss, the condition typically cannot be reversed. However, a hearing specialist can take steps to limit the loss and hearing aids may be used to restore hearing abilities.14
Recommended Reading: Does Shingles Cause Joint Pain
What Everyone Should Know About The Shingles Vaccine
Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia , the most common complication from shingles.
CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix, as they have a higher risk of getting shingles and related complications.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm.
Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68%-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.
Why Is Shingrix Administered In Two Doses
Shingrix is typically given in two doses, usually as a shot to the upper arm.
A 2021 study found that adults over 65 were significantly less likely to develop either shingles or PHN after getting two doses of Shingrix than they were after one dose. Two doses of Shingrix also offered better protection against shingles complications to adults over 80 and immunocompromised adults.
Previously, Zostavax was offered to older and immunocompromised adults to prevent shingles, PHN, and other shingles-related health problems. Zostavax is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened version of the herpes zoster virus. Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine, meaning that it uses only a small piece of the virus.
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration approved Shingrix for the prevention of shingles and related complications. Zostavax is no longer available in the U.S. People who have gotten Zostavax in the past should now get Shingrix.
Studies have shown that Zostavaxa one-dose vaccineis generally less effective than two doses of Shingrix in preventing shingles complications among older and immunocompromised adults. Shingrix currently offers the best chance of protection against shingles, PHN, and shingles-related hospitalization.
Don’t Miss: Does Goodrx Cover Shingles Vaccine
Medicare Will Cover Shingles Vaccine In 2023
Starting in January 2023, Medicare will cover the cost of the shingles vaccine, Shingrix.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix two to six months apart to prevent complications from the disease shingles. Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective in preventing illness, according to the CDC. But for many people on Medicare, it had been unaffordable at more than $200 for the shot regimen.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aims to reduce the cost of some drugs and close this barrier to good healthcare. As of January 2023, all vaccinations covered under Medicare part D that are approved and recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the CDC will be covered without a copay. So, no cost-sharing will be associated with the administration of Shingrix, as well as flu shots tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
What is shingles?
Shingles is an invasive, painful outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that can damage your vision or hearing, make you lose hair, and cause long-term nerve pain. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virusthe same virus that erupts in chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may not result in problems for many years, but as you get older, the virus may reappear as shingles.
Is shingles contagious?
Who is at risk for shingles?
What are the symptoms of shingles?
How is shingles diagnosed?
Also Check:
Talk With Your Health Care Provider
Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:
- Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of recombinant shingles vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies
- Is currently experiencing an episode of shingles
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone shingles vaccination until a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting recombinant shingles vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
Also Check: Kaiser Permanente Shingles Vaccine Cost
Why Do I Need Two Doses Of Shingrix
In addition to a painful rash, shingles can lead to serious health complications like PHN, pneumonia, vision loss, hearing problems, and encephalitis . Research indicates that about 1% to 4% of people with shingles will be hospitalized.
Two doses of Shingrix offer effective protection against shingles and related complications for at least seven years. Among healthy adults ages 50-69, Shingrix is more than 90% effective in preventing PHN when two doses are administered. Among adults ages 70 and older, it is 89% effective.
People Who Are Eligible For The Vaccine
Your GP will offer you the vaccine if you were aged 70 on 1 September 2022 and were born:
- between 2 September 1951 and 1 September 1952
You are still eligible for the vaccine during 2022/ 2023 if you havent already received the vaccine and:
- are aged between 71 and 79 years old
- were born between 2 September 1942 and 1 September 1952
If you fall into the group above you need to ask your GP for the vaccine.
Recommended Reading: Is The 2 Part Shingles Vaccine Covered By Medicare