Shingles Vaccine Shows Additional Benefit, Study Confirms
A recent study has reinforced the benefits of the shingles vaccine, revealing another positive effect beyond preventing the painful rash and potential nerve damage associated with the virus. The findings could influence future vaccination recommendations and strategies.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body for years. When reactivated, it manifests as shingles, a painful rash typically appearing on one side of the body. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles, though the risk increases with age and weakened immune systems.
The German study, as reported by WEB.DE, further validates the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing the disease and its complications.
Currently, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) in Germany recommends the shingles vaccine for several groups, including all individuals 60 years and older. Those 18 and older with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment, as well as individuals with severe chronic conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are also advised to receive the vaccine. The recommended vaccine is the adjuvanted herpes-zoster subunit-totimpfstoff (Shingrix).
According to information from infektionsschutz.de, the vaccine helps reduce the frequency of shingles occurrences and prevent complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain that can follow a shingles outbreak.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) notes that the Shingrix vaccine is approved for use in individuals 50 years and older for the prevention of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. The RKI also states the vaccine is not approved for preventing the initial varicella-zoster infection, which causes chickenpox.
While a live vaccine against shingles was previously available, the newer, more effective totimpfstoff (Shingrix) is now the preferred option. t-online.de reports that nearly all adults carry the virus that causes shingles within their bodies, making vaccination a crucial preventative measure.
