{"id":26147,"date":"2019-02-08T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T08:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/?p=26147"},"modified":"2019-01-28T23:19:02","modified_gmt":"2019-01-28T23:19:02","slug":"the-shingles-vaccine-shortage-what-it-means-and-how-to-prepare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/current-health-news\/the-shingles-vaccine-shortage-what-it-means-and-how-to-prepare\/","title":{"rendered":"The Shingles Vaccine Shortage: What It Means and How to Prepare"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is currently a shortage of Shingles vaccine in the U.S.<\/em>\u00a0Fortunately an older version of the vaccine is available, and it can offer some protection. If you’re an older adult for whom the shingles vaccine is recommended, learn how to protect yourself.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Pharmacies are dealing with a shortage of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix. The CDC recommends that healthy adults over 50 should be vaccinated against shingles with two doses, taken two to six months apart. Another, less effective shingles vaccine called Zostavax is available and can be a stop-gap measure for high-risk adults. Most people who come down with shingles can get relief (but not a cure) from antiviral medications like Valtrex and acyclovir. These medicines should be taken as soon as possible after symptoms arise for best results.<\/p>\n

With a shortage of the most effective vaccine looming, what are the best options to prevent and to treat shingles?<\/p>\n

Shingles Vaccine in Short Supply<\/h3>\n

Doctors and pharmacies are trying to deal with a shortage of the CDC-recommended Shingrix<\/a>, the vaccine to prevent shingles. There has been an unprecedented demand for the drug, fueled in part by television commercials and the CDC\u2019s recommendation that healthy adults over 50 receive the vaccine.<\/p>\n

Shingrix is the newer and more effective alternative to Zostavax<\/a>, which is recommended for ages 60. Studies show, however, that Zostavax is only about 50% effective\u00a0<\/a>in the targeted population. Zostavax is given in one dose, while Shingrix, which is more effective, is given in two doses. The CDC recommends Shingrix for adults 50 and up and these are all reasons that the supply is running thin. If you cannot find the Shingrix or the less-effective Zostavax and you get shingles, how can it be treated?<\/p>\n

What are Valtrex and Acyclovir<\/h3>\n

Shingles, or herpes zoster, afflicts one in three people in the U.S. If you had chickenpox in childhood, you are at risk. Shingles are characterized by painful red rashes that can appear across the body. While there are vaccines to prevent a flare-up, it is in short supply. However, if a person is afflicted with shingles, there are medications that can help:<\/p>\n