Avoid the pain of the shingles rash: Shingrix® provides substantially longer and stronger protection than its predecessor
When it comes to warding off the painful chickenpox-related rash known as shingles, a new drug may be a bird of a different, More potent feather.
Shingrix® is given in two doses that are two to six months apart It provides substantially greater protection than its predecessor, Zostavax®. Shingrix also claims its protection stays at a high level for at least four years.
Shingrix is recommended for use in adults age 50 and older who have normal immune systems. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that people previously vaccinated with the one-dose Zostavax be revaccinated with Shingrix – even if they have never had chickenpox or are not sure whether they have. It also does not matter whether a person has had shingles or not, except for active outbreaks. If you have an active case of shingles, you should wait until it is over to get vaccinated. Patients who could not take the Zostavax vaccine also may be able to receive the Shingrix vaccine.
“With the graying of the ‘Baby Boomers,’ conditions like shingles are perhaps affecting more of our members than ever,” said Connie A. Meeks, M.D., Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s senior vice president and chief medical officer. “Accordingly, we are glad to see more effective interventions that can help our members avoid this painful condition and its after-effects altogether.”
Because the vaccine is preventative, it is fully covered at no cost to members who fit the CDC prescribing guidelines.*
Should you be worried about shingles?
If you have had chickenpox, you are at risk because the varicella zoster virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles is still in your body. The shingles rash causes pain that shoots along nerve pathways. It is serious and very common and affects almost 1 in 3 people during their lifetime. It most commonly occurs on just one side of the face or body. The condition typically goes away within two to four weeks. The virus can lie dormant in the nerves for many years. The immune system can weaken as part of the aging process, so people older than age 50 or who have weak immune systems have a greater risk of developing shingles.
Who should not get this vaccine?
You might not be a candidate if you:
- Have life-threatening allergies.
- Are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
- Are “under the weather.”
As with any injection, you can expect soreness and maybe even side effects that prevent you from doing what you normally do for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with that. But the CDC strongly recommends that you still get the second dose.
Shingrix basics
Who?: Anyone age 50+ with a normal immune system. Even if you got Zostavax, you should get Shringrix. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have had chickenpox or shingles before. But if you have an active case of either one, wait until it’s over.
What?: Two shots, 2-6 months apart.
Where?: Doctor’s office or pharmacy. Check first to see if you need a prescription.
Medicare: Must be billed to Part D (pharmacy benefit). Most pharmacies can bill Part D directly. But if you get the vaccine at a doctor’s office, you may have to file a claim for reimbursement yourself.*
* Note: The copay waiver does not apply to members of Medicare Part D plans. Please check your plan formulary (drug list) for cost-sharing amounts.
For more information on shingles and related vaccines, visit the CDC website.