Shingles Vaccine for Seniors in Anderson, SC: What to Know
In Anderson, SC, viral infections are among the most common causes of mortality in seniors. Even so, dangerous viruses such as shingles are often ignored.
For such a common disease, it's a wonder shingles doesn't get more bad press. About one in three U.S. adults develops shingles at least once in their lives. This comes out to approximately a million people getting shingles each year.
Though not many people die from shingles, this disease is still threatening to seniors. The best way to avoid infection is to get the shingles vaccine. Read on to learn more about this vaccine and why getting vaccinated is worth your time!
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral disease that causes a blistering, painful rash. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Even if you've already had chickenpox, the virus may remain in your nerve cells. In most cases, it will continue to lie dormant and stay inactive. In about one-third of adults, the virus will reactivate, and this risk increases with age.
Most seniors who get shingles will only have it that one time. That said, it's possible to get it more than once, particularly with certain risk factors. If all goes well, shingles cases tend to clear up within three to five weeks.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
The most common symptom of shingles is an unusual skin sensation followed by a red, blistering rash. Other common symptoms include:
- Fever, chills, and headache
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Upset stomach
The pain caused by this infection can be severe and debilitating, especially in seniors. In many cases, it will interfere with daily life.
Currently, there's no cure for shingles. Treatment involves managing the pain with cold compresses and topical creams. You may also need to use anti-viral medicine to prevent nerve damage and ease the symptoms.
Though most people get through shingles without major issues, some experience postherpetic neuralgia, or long-term nerve pain. Other complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Bacterial infection
- Brain inflammation
- Hearing issues
- Death
What Is the Shingles Vaccine?
Right now, the only zoster vaccine for older adults is Shingrix. It's very effective at preventing both shingles and the nerve pain associated with it.
Originally, Shingrix was approved in October 2017. The other shingles vaccine available at the time (Zostavax) was discontinued in 2020. If you had the Zostavax vaccine in the past, it's still a good idea to get the Shingrix shot.
Since seniors are at a higher risk of developing shingles, they should also put the biggest priority on getting the vaccine. The older we get, the more trouble our bodies go through to fight off dangerous viral infections.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingrix is considered perfectly safe and effective, so most seniors should get it. The only situations where you shouldn't get the vaccine are if you:
- Currently have shingles
- Have an allergic reaction to Shingrix or its components
- Have tested negative for the varicella-zoster virus immunity
If you got negative results for varicella zoster virus antibodies, you should get the chickenpox vaccine instead. If you're sick with a moderate illness, it's best to hold off on getting any vaccines until you recover.
The CDC also recommends getting the shingles vaccine if you've already had shingles previously. This is particularly important if you live in an assisted living community, where infections tend to spread a little quicker.
How Effective Is the Shingles Vaccine?
When it comes to the matter of aging and immunity, most vaccines are very effective at what they do. At over 90% efficacy, Shingrix is no exception.
The protection this vaccine provides remains strong up to seven years after getting vaccinated. That said, your immunity does gradually wear off. Despite that, the CDC currently hasn't approved any shingles boosters.
When Should You Get the Vaccine?
The vaccine recommendations for shingles include two doses of Shingrix. For best results, it's best to wait two to six months in between them.
The CDC recommends that all seniors age 50 or older get the Shingrix vaccine. There's no upper age limit for these vaccinations. In fact, the older you are, the more benefit this vaccine will usually provide.
Shingrix is available in most pharmacies and physicians' offices. Like most vaccines, it's delivered as a shot in the upper arm. If you're immunocompromised, however, you may want to wait a month or two before getting the second dose.
Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine
The Shingrix vaccine triggers a strong immune system response. This can result in some temporary side effects, including:
- Sore arm
- Redness and swelling
- Headache and body ache
- Fatigue and nausea
- Stomach pain
Most of these side effects are mild and go away within two or three days. If you enjoy health and wellness activities, you may have to skip a class or two. Since shingles can lead to serious complications, this is a small price to pay.
Cost of the Shingles Vaccine
Medicare covers a wide range of vaccines, including Shingrix. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, there's no cost sharing for many services covered under Part D.
In other words, if you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, you should pay nothing for the Shingrix vaccine. If you don't have Medicare, call your health insurance provider to see if they'll cover the costs.
Senior Immunizations in Anderson, SC
As you can see, the shingles vaccine plays a key role in preventive care for seniors. This is particularly true if you live in a senior living community, as getting vaccinated can be an essential part of their infection management plan.
At TerraBella Marchbanks, we know what it takes to keep our residents healthy. Our assisted living community has a three-part approach to resident satisfaction: superior care, comprehensive amenities, and exclusive lifestyle programs!
Our community is geared toward older adults who value independence but could benefit from some help with daily activities. This is why our care plans revolve around individualized care plans and 24/7 availability.
Thinking of joining our Anderson, SC, community? Schedule a tour right now to see if we're a good fit for your needs!