Shingles Vaccine Part 3

Should you get the shingles vaccine?

All consumers should know that one cannot get shingles unless one has first developed chicken pox. In North America, more than 90% of adults and children have had chicken pox and current estimates indicate that about 30% (or one in three) will get shingles in their lifetime. The vaccine decreases the risk of developing shingles by almost 50 percent.

The other factor to consider is age. The vaccine is at present approved for people over the age of 60 because the chances of developing shingles is higher with age. However, there is a downfall- as one gets older the vaccine also becomes less effective against shingles. Actually the best benefit of the shingles vaccine is that it prevent the development of the painful post-herpetic neuralgia in 70% of cases.

The other question regarding the vaccine is should everyone over 60 get it? the answer is no. If one has already got a definite case of shingles early on in life, the chances of getting another one is very unlikely. Therefore, for those who know they had shingles once, discuss with your physician about what to do next.

Cost

The pharmaceutical company, Merck is out to make money. The company charges $150 for the one shot vaccine. Moreover, if you think that is outrageous, the doctors are charging close to $300. in contrast, the standard flu vaccine only costs $ 10-$20. One would think vaccines play a vital role in preventive medicine but unfortunately the health care professional value your money more than your health.

In some cases, the cost of the shingles vaccine may not be covered by Medicare or insurance. Know as Zostavax, please check with your insurance plan or Medicare if they do cover it