The ZOSTAVAX vaccine for shingles reduces the chance of developing shingles for those 60 and up, though the odds get worse with increasing age. The vaccination was recommended by an influential government advisory panel in 2006. The CDC officially adopted the recommendation this week.
The new recommendation was published in the May 15 online edition of the Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report.
The only available vaccine is made by Merck & Co. About 2.5 million doses have already been distributed.
The vaccine costs about $150 and is not covered by private insurance. For Medicare patients, it is currently covered under the Part D drug benefit, so its cost will vary by provider. Experts believe the publication of these guidelines may get health insurance companies to start covering the cost of the vaccine
According to CDC, about 1 million cases of shingles occur each year in the United States and half of those occur in people 60 and older. The vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by about 50 percent. For those aged 60 to 69 years old, the vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by 64 percent.
People who have an immunodeficiency disease should not be vaccinated, a CDC official recommended.
One potential consequence of shingles, if it appears on the face, is loss of some vision or blindness, and even hearing loss.
