A new shingles vaccine is said to be much more effective than the previous vaccine on the market.
The vaccine, called Shingrix is so popular that pharmacies cannot keep up with demand. Every age group it’s administered to has a 90 percent coverage against shingles while the old vaccine Zostovax had a 64 percent coverage. Joel Morrison, a pharmacist with Haag Pharmacy in Emporia says they like all pharmacies nationwide have been unable to keep up with demand.
Morrison says while you can still receive the old vaccine to prevent against shingles, but says if you can, it’s best to wait out until the shortage is resolved.
Morrison says studies have shown that Shingrix is effective in the body’s immune system for up to five years. Because of its 90 percent coverage though, Morrison estimates it could be effective for up to 10 years for most individuals.
Shingrix is administered in two shots to people 50 and older. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that even if you’ve had the older vaccine, you should get the new one.
Shingles are triggered by dormant chicken pox virus and can cause a painful blistering rash along with possible complications including searing nerve pain and pneumonia. Shingles can also be debilitating and may have future implications later in life.
