No Excuses, People: Get the New Shingles Vaccine.

[elleng]

*“This really looks to be a breakthrough in vaccinating older adults,” agreed Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, a physician and researcher at the National Institutes of Health.

What’s causing the enthusiasm: Shingrix, which the pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline intends to begin shipping this month. Large international trials have shown that the vaccine prevents more than 90 percent of shingles cases, even at older ages.

The currently available shingles vaccine, called Zostavax, only prevents about half of shingles cases in those over age 60 and has demonstrated far less effectiveness among elderly patients.'>>>

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/10/health/shingrix-shingles-vaccine.html?

[Baitball Blogger]

2. I'll have to wait until the insurance companies begin to pick up the cost.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. I had my annual physical yesterday and discussed this with my doc

He suggested to not go with the Merck one (Zostavax) due to relative inefficacy and wait until the much better GSK one becomes available - but also noted how expensive these medicines are and to check with insurance first to check coverage. (as a former GSK employee - a retiree, I get all GSK medicines free...very fortunate for that) - so I suspect I will get this when it is available.

He said something surprising about Medicare coverage - they don't cover Tetanus boosters (with 3 years to go before sign up, we are ensuring I have everything I can get that I need while under my retiree medical).

[MuseRider]

4. I had mine 2 years ago

and my insurance picked it up.

Next year time for my Pneumovax again.

[doc03]

5. What if you already got the Zostavax?

[elleng]

6. I assume we're OK!

[WhiteTara]

7. Is this a live vaccine?

If so, anyone who uses biologic medicine should AVOID taking this without a consult with the dr.

[elleng]

8. Likely only provided BY docs,

so consultation involved.

Just read (from above) effectiveness of the 'old' vaccine, which I received ??? years ago, expires after ?? 11 years. DAMN!