CDC recommends new shingles vaccine to replace older one

CNN
A new adult vaccine has received a double thumbs-up from the American federal health system.On the heels of Monday's Food and Drug Administration approval of Shingrix, a new vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline for the prevention of shingles, a federal committee of immunization experts voted Wednesday to recommend Shingrix for all Americans 50 and older.Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body and can last for two to four weeks.

One in three Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing to half of adults over 85, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the CDC on vaccine usage, also recommended that adults who received Zostavax, a shingles vaccine made by Merck, be revaccinated with Shingrix. Concerned about vaccine safety? Here are the factsAdditionally, the committee expressed its preference for Shingrix over Zostavax.

Last edited by Goose (10/26/2017 6:15 am)