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Shingles Vaccine

by dchan last modified 2006-11-16 03:19 AM

“Is there a new vaccine for shingles?”

YES, it’s called Zostavax® BUT it is only available in the USA for now.
It contains live, attenuated varicella zoster...the same virus as the chickenpox
vaccine (Varivax®). But Zostavax® has about 14 times more live attenuated
virus than Varivax®. The larger dose is needed to boost immunity in older
patients.
It is indicated for patients > 60 yrs and is not effective for treatment of herpes
zoster or postherpetic neuralgia.
It is reported to decrease the risk of shingles by about half. And in patients who
do get shingles, it seems to reduce severity...and lowers the risk of developing
postherpetic neuralgia.
Zostavax® is given as a one-time SC injection (~$150 USD).
Thanks to Anne Goodfellow + Doug Oliver for a great question!

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