Shingles, which is caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a blistering skin rash that is most common in older people. It usually goes away after four weeks, but one in five sufferers develops severe long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia, whose complications can include scarring and loss of vision or hearing.
The vaccine Zostavax, which was approved by the FDA in May, is a souped-up version of Merck's chickenpox vaccine for children, with a live virus that is 14 times more potent.
According to the report, Zostavax is not recommended for pregnant women, people with allergies to gelatin or other vaccine components, or those whose immune systems have been compromised by such things as AIDS or chemotherapy.
Merck said it has sold about $11 million worth of the vaccine since it came on the market, with the single-dose vaccine costing about $150 per shot. Some health insurers now cover it, but the committee's recommendation is likely to increase the number that do.
