Are you 50? Why you should consider a Shingles Vaccine

98% of adults in the US have been infected with the chickenpox virus, and are at risk for Shingles. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain active, in certain nerve roots within your body for many years.  If it becomes active later in life, it can cause Shingles.

The first signs of Shingles are often felt and may not be seen.  Itching, tingling, and burning are good warning signs and then a few days later a rash of fluid-filled blisters can appear usually on one side of the body or face.

After the rash heals, Shingles may lead to pain that lasts for months or even years in some people.  This long-term nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia, occurs because the virus that causes Singles may damage certain nerves.  We have customized a medicine in our lab that has been helpful to patients dealing with this awful pain.

About 1/2 of the nearly 1 million cases of Shingles each year occur in patients who are 60 and older.
1 out of 2 people who live to the age of 85 will have Shingles.

The vaccination is now approved in people who are 50 and older.  We can bill your Medicare D plan if you are a Medicare enrollee to find out what your copay will be.  And, we will be happy to bill your private insurance to see your out of pocket cost.  For those wanting to pay cash, the cost is just under $200.  We can give the vaccination right here.  Just call us for a designated time.

To your good health,
Dr Sonja