WOONSOCKET – About 99 percent of people 50 and older are at risk for shingles, a painful rash also known as herpes zoster, and CVS Health Corp. has the new Shingrix vaccine to prevent it at all 9,800 of its pharmacies.
The vaccine was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 and is now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Shingrix vaccine is preferred over Zostavax, a shingles vaccine in use since 2006, the CDC reports. People previously vaccinated using Zostavax can be re-immunized using Shingrix, the agency reports.
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The shingles rash usually develops on one side of the body, often the face or torso, according to the CDC. The rash of blisters typically scab over in seven to 10 days and clear up within two to four weeks. Some people describe the pain as an intense burning sensation. For some people, the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away.
The CDC recommends healthy adults age 50 and older get two doses of Shingrix two to six months apart to prevent shingles and reduce the course and severity of the disease. The Shingrix vaccine is considered more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and protection stays above 85 percent for at least the first four years after a patient is vaccinated.
With an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in the U.S., it is recommended patients who have had shingles, have previously received the Zostavax vaccine or who are unsure if they have had chickenpox receive the Shingrix vaccine. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles, including children, although the risk of shingles increases as people age.
“Vaccination is key to preventing shingles and CVS Pharmacy is pleased to be able to provide patients with convenient access to this new and more effective vaccine,” said Kevin Hourican, executive vice president, pharmacy services, for CVS Pharmacy. “Our pharmacists can help patients determine if Shingrix is right for them and can vaccinate patients at times and locations that work for their busy schedules.”
Many health insurance plans will cover the new vaccine, including Medicare Part D. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine if and when their individual plan will cover the Shingrix vaccine. Patients can visit www.cvs.com to find nearby CVS Pharmacy locations and to learn more about the Shingrix vaccine and other immunizations CVS Pharmacy provides.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
