Get Healthy Carson City: Shingles immunizations for the 60 and over crowd

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: Are shingles immunizations effective?

A: The vaccine for shingles is the only way to reduce the risk of shingles and the long-term pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia, which can develop following an infection. In clinical trials, the vaccine reduced the risk of getting shingles by 50 percent, and reduced the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia by 67 percent.

RECOMMENDATION

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of shingles vaccine for most adults who are 60 and older. This includes people who have had shingles, to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

WHAT IS SHINGLES?

Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters, caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine can get shingles. When a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state. It is not clear why, but at times the virus reactivates years later, causing shingles. Studies show that 99 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have had chickenpox, even if they cannot remember the episode.

The shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts 2 to 4 weeks. The main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation or death. You cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles.

STATISTICS

Of the at least 1 million cases that occur each year in the United States, about 1 person in 5 will succumb to post-herpetic neuralgia, the severe pain that continues long after the rash clears. Over the course of a lifetime, almost 1 in 3 Americans will get shingles.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET A SHINGLES VACCINE?

Some people in the over 60 age group should wait to get vaccinated, or not get vaccinated at all. A shingles vaccine is not recommended for persons who:

• Have a life-threatening allergy to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of the shingles vaccine. Talk with your doctor if you have any severe allergies.

• Have a weakened immune system due to:

* AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system

* using high-dose steroids or other drugs that affect the immune system

* cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation

* cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma

• Are pregnant or could become pregnant. Women should not become pregnant until at least 4 weeks after getting a shingles vaccine.

A person with a minor illness such as a cold may be vaccinated. Anyone with a moderate to severe illness, especially with a fever of 101.3 degrees or higher, should wait until they are better to get the vaccine.

RISKS FROM SHINGLES VACCINE

Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. No serious problems have been identified with the shingles vaccine. Mild problems can occur such as:

• Redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the site of the injection (about 1 person in 30)

• Headache (about 1 person in 70)

As with all vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors for unusual or severe problems. Likewise, the CDC cannot provide personal medical advice. Deciding to get a shingles vaccine should be made with your doctor.

AVAILABILITY

Shingles vaccine is almost always available. Call your physician or clinic for details. Check with your health insurance provider for information regarding coverage. The cost of the vaccine is under $200.

LEARN MORE

Visit the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

JANUARY IS NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH

Radon was found at elevated levels in 37 percent of Carson City homes tested. It is number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon test kits are available at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office in Carson City. Address is 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 15. Hours are 8 to 5, Monday through Friday.

Clinics

Carson City Health and Human Services

900 East Long Street, Carson City

775-887-2195

• Clinic Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment.

• Men's Clinic is on Mondays from 4-6 p.m. Call for an appointment: 775-887-2195

• CCHHS offers flu injections or nasal mist for $10. No appointment is necessary.

• Thursday is Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed. 775-887-2190

On the Net

www.gethealthycarson city.org

and Facebook

• Pam Graber writes for Carson City Health and Human Services. Contact her at Pamgraber1950@gmail.com.