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May 16, 2008 4:02 pm US/Eastern
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CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine For Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control is recommending older adults be vaccinated for shingles to help prevent outbreaks and the painful side effects.
Anyone who had had the chickenpox is at risk for shingles. In fact, half a million people get this painful condition every year. After the chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your nerves causing a painful, blistery rash along the course of a particular nerve, for instance, your trunk or down your leg.
Among everyone who has ever had the chickenpox, one in three of them will get shingles, usually after age 50. Half of all people living to age 85 will get shingles.
Sometimes it can have serious complications like pneumonia, chronic pain and vision and hearing problems. The vaccine boosts your immune system against the virus. It can cut your risk by more than half and you can still get it even if you've already had the shingles.
Like with any shot, you could have side effects at the injection site. The FDA approved the vaccine in 2006. It costs about $200. Check with your insurance company about coverage.
If you do get the shingles, anti-viral medication started within three days can control the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.