Question: I heard a scientist say that it’s very important that people over 60 get the shingles vaccine. I’m not 60 yet, but do you think I should get vaccinated?
Dr. Brownstein's Answer:
Shingles is a miserable illness caused by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus (herpes zoster). Shingles usually occurs in older people. Unfortunately, my research has shown that the vaccine is ineffective for the vast majority of people who receive it.
In fact, most vaccines have a poor response in older patients. And the shingles vaccine is expensive — about $200. With an effectiveness rate of just 0.26 percent (according to the American Academy of Family Physicians), it’s not worth the cost.
It is better to eat a healthy diet and maintain optimal vitamin B12 levels to help prevent shingles.
© 2011 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
