Shingles is essentially a reactivation of the varicella zoster (chicken-pox) virus in your nerves. It presents as a painful and/or itchy shingles rash, usually on one side of the body or face. The rash, made up of small blisters, usually forms scabs after 1 week. For most people, the shingles rash clears up in two to four weeks, however the pain may last much longer.
In Singapore, there are an estimated 30,000 new cases of shingles every year, and it has been estimated that over 90 per cent of adults above the age of 50 already carry the virus that causes shingles. If you have experienced shingles before, the “nerve pain” is known to be excruciating.
Complications can include postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where pain persists long after the rash has healed, as well as vision loss if the eyes are affected.
Risk factors for shingles include age, as the immune system weakens over time, and a history of chickenpox. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or taking immunosuppressive medications, are also at higher risk.
The Shingrix vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox. As we age, the likelihood of developing shingles increases, making vaccination an essential preventive measure.
$398 nett per dose
$780 nett for 2-dose
2 doses
Dose 2 can be taken 2-6 months after initial dose
This is the most common and debilitating complication of shingles. PHN is characterized by persistent pain in the area of the shingles rash long after the rash has healed.
When shingles occur in or around the eye, it can lead to vision problems or even permanent vision loss.
Shingles can sometimes lead to more severe neurological issues, including facial paralysis, hearing problems, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
The blisters from shingles can become infected, which requires medical treatment.
In severe cases, shingles can spread throughout the body, leading to systemic infections.
Shingles can be especially severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
Until recently, the Zostavax vaccine was the primary vaccine available for preventing shingles. However, Shingrix, a newer vaccine, has emerged as a more effective and highly recommended option. Here’s what you need to know about Shingrix:
Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles, making it significantly more effective than Zostavax, which has an efficacy rate of around 50%.
Shingrix provides protection for a longer duration. Clinical trials have shown that it maintains its effectiveness for at least four years, and studies are ongoing to determine if it provides protection beyond that time.
Shingrix is recommended for all adults aged 50 and older, including those who have previously received the Zostavax vaccine. It is even recommended for individuals who have had shingles in the past.
Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given two to six months after the first. This series is essential for full protection.
Shingrix not only reduces the risk of shingles but also lowers the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, a debilitating complication of shingles.
The CDC recommends Shingrix for all adults aged 50 and older, even if they have had shingles before or received the Zostavax vaccine. It is also recommended for individuals with chronic medical conditions or those who are immunocompromised, with certain precautions. Those with a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or a current shingles outbreak should not receive Shingrix.
Now that we understand the impact of shingles and the effectiveness of Shingrix, let’s examine the compelling reasons why you should consider getting vaccinated:
The most obvious reason to get the Shingrix vaccine is to prevent shingles itself. Shingles can be excruciatingly painful and cause a range of complications. By getting vaccinated, you significantly reduce your risk of experiencing this debilitating condition.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most feared complications of shingles, as it can cause long-term, persistent pain. Shingrix substantially lowers the risk of PHN, providing peace of mind and a better quality of life.
The real-world impact of Shingrix is evident in numerous testimonials and statistical data. Patients who have received the vaccine report a significant reduction in shingles incidence and severity. Public health data also shows a decrease in shingles cases and associated complications since the introduction of Shingrix, underscoring its effectiveness.
Despite its benefits, some individuals may hesitate to receive the Shingrix vaccine due to concerns about side effects or misinformation. Addressing vaccine hesitancy through education and reassurance from healthcare providers is crucial. Improving access to the vaccine and launching educational campaigns can help increase vaccination rates, ensuring more people are protected from shingles.
The Shingrix vaccine is a vital tool in preventing shingles and its debilitating complications. With its high efficacy and safety profile, Shingrix offers a significant advantage in protecting older adults from this painful condition. If you are 50 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated with Shingrix. Taking this step can greatly enhance your quality of life and safeguard your health.
Shingles can be excruciatingly painful, affecting an individual's ability to perform daily tasks, work, and enjoy life. This pain can lead to stress, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life.
Shingles is contagious to those who haven't had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. As a result, individuals with shingles often isolate themselves to avoid exposing others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and social withdrawal.
Shingles can lead to missed workdays and decreased productivity, which affects not only the individual but also their employer and the economy as a whole.
Treating shingles and its complications can be expensive. Medical visits, prescription medications, hospitalization, and rehabilitation add to the overall healthcare costs.
Shingles often lead to missed workdays or decreased productivity. This can result in financial loss for both individuals and businesses.
While there is a cost associated with the Shingrix vaccine, it is an investment in long-term health and can be more cost-effective than treating shingles and its complications.
Government and public health programs may bear the burden of shingles cases, which can strain healthcare resources.
Shingles is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that can impact individuals, families, and communities. The Shingrix vaccine offers a compelling solution to significantly reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. It is highly effective, provides long-lasting protection, and is recommended for most adults aged 50 and older.
By getting the Shingrix vaccine, you take a proactive step towards a healthier and more fulfilling future. Your well-being, quality of life, and contribution to your community are all reasons to consider vaccination.
Don’t wait—talk to your healthcare provider, explore your options, and take control of your health journey. The choice to get the Shingrix vaccine is a choice for a healthier and shingles-free future. Your health is your most valuable asset, so invest in it wisely.
The main difference is effectiveness with Shingrix being much more effective. Shingrix is 97% effective at preventing shingles in adults aged 50 to 69 years old, whereas Zostavax is only 51 to 70% effective.
Another difference is that Zostavax is a live, attenuated herpes zoster vaccine, unlike Shingrix. In other words, Zostavax contains a weakened version of the actual virus to produce an immune response. For this reason, Zostavax is not recommended for those who are immunocompromised. Otherwise, the vaccine may cause a symptomatic infection, even weeks following vaccination.
Shingrix is currently the preferred Shingles vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Zostavax was discontinued in the United States in November 2020.
Studies confirmed that Shingrix was safe and immunogenic when administered 5 or more years after Zostavax. Intervals shorter than 5 years have not been studied. However, there are no data or theoretical concerns to indicate Shingrix would be less safe or effective when given less than 5 years after Zostavax. You may consider an interval shorter than 5 years, especially if you are >70 years old when you first received Zostavax.
The guideline is to wait a minimum of 8 weeks if you have had Zostavax before getting Shingrix.
At Virtue Medical, we are offering Shingrix at $398 per dose or $780 nett for 2 doses, with no additional consultation fee or GST. Book an appointment for Shingrix today!
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