If you are over 50 years old, pay attention to the shingles vaccine ShingrixProfessor Hyuna Park, Director Eunhyung Lee

If you are over 50 years old, pay attention to the shingles vaccine ShingrixProfessor Hyuna Park, Director Eunhyung Lee

Dec 17, 2024Ehotyshamull Joy

 

1. Shingles and chickenpox virus
Why does shingles appear?
It is said that 1 in 3 or 1/2 of people will get shingles at least once in their lifetime. What causes shingles is the chickenpox virus, which you may have experienced at least once in your childhood. Our immunity is not strong enough to suppress the virus for a lifetime, so when our immunity decreases, the chickenpox virus in the body becomes active again, resulting in shingles. However, 41% of people in their 70s and 18% of people in their 80s are not able to prevent shingles.
2. Shingles vaccine 'Shingrix'
What is Shingrix?

The shingles vaccine has two types of vaccines: Zostavax and SkyZoster, which have weakened live chickenpox viruses. However, these vaccines have the disadvantage that their protective effect decreases rapidly with age, and they cannot be given to people with weakened immune systems.

 

To address these shortcomings, a private vaccine called Shingrix has been developed, which is an adjuvant attached to a part of the virus. Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles in people in their 5-60s by nearly 97% and in people in their 70s and above, with a level of 91%. More importantly, it can be given to people who are immunocompromised, and it can also prevent postherpetic neuralgia. It is also reported to be effective for up to 9 years.

 

3. Why do you need to get vaccinated against shingles?
Do shingles need to be vaccinated?

The problem with shingles is that even after the blisters are gone, the pain persists due to postherpetic neuralgia. When postherpetic neuralgia occurs, the sense of touch changes to nociception, and even if you rub against it, you will feel pain. Once you have shingles, it is unclear whether neuralgia medications called anticonvulsants or antiviral medications can stop postherpetic neuralgia. The virus has already destroyed the nerves. You should get vaccinated against shingles to prevent this from happening.

4. How to get Shingrix
How much Shingrix do I need to get vaccinated?

Existing vaccines such as Zostavax and SkyZoster use live viruses, but Shingrix contains only a fraction of the virus, making it much safer to administer. But instead of being safe, there's a problem. Because the virus is not alive, you need to get two shots to trigger an immune response.

 

After the first vaccination, you should get another vaccination with an interval of 2~6 months, and if you are immunocompromised, it is okay to take an interval of 1~2 months.

 

5. Eligibility for Shingrix vaccination
Who can get Shingrix?

Shingrix is available to anyone over the age of 50 (or 18 years of age or older if immunocompromised), regardless of whether they have had herpes zoster, received other herpes zoster vaccinations, or have antibodies.

 

The previous vaccine was a live virus, so I couldn't get an injection during chemotherapy. However, Shingrix can be vaccinated during chemotherapy, and it can be given to those who are breastfeeding, except for pregnant women.

 

6. Shingrix's Potential for Treating Shingles
Can Shingrix cure shingles?
Some people think that because the vaccination contains antibodies, Shingrix can cure shingles. However, Shingrix is not used to treat shingles. You can get vaccinated after the acute symptoms are gone and the symptoms are relieved.


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