William asks…
What is the difference between the Chicken Pox vaccine and the Shingles vaccine?
I know they are both effective live attenuated vaccines, and the shingles vaccine is only recommended for people 60 and over. Are the vaccines interchangeable? How often should children/adults get chicken pox boosters? Will most insurance cover these vaccines?
Is the same attenuated virus in both vaccines?
admin answers:
They are not interchangable. The shingles vaccine contains more of the virus antigen than the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox vaccine is given in 2 doses, shingles in 1 dose. Currently no boosters are recommended.
Edit: Yes, the type of attenuated virus is exactly the same. The manufacturer of both vaccines (Merck) uses the same virus stock to produce the two vaccines (actually three vaccines, varicella, or chickenpox, MMRV- a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccine, and zoster, or shingles vaccine). It is the amounts that are different.
Sometimes insurance covers the vaccines and sometimes it does not but Merck has a patient assistance program for people who cannot afford the vaccines.
Here are some links to more information on the two vaccines.
Http://www.vaccineinformation.org/varicel/qandavax.asp
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/zoster/
You can also look up the product information or the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for each vaccine for more specific information.
Lisa asks…
Can you get chickenpox from someone who just received the shingles vaccine?
My husband and I are visiting my mother in-law next week. We just found out that she received the shingles vaccine this past weekend. We are supposed to stay with her at her house for the next two weeks and neither my husband or I have had chickenpox. Can we get the chickenpox if we stay with her or be around her? Should I be looking at staying at a hotel now?
admin answers:
According to the shingles vaccine package insert, “Transmission of vaccine virus may occur rarely between vaccinees and susceptible contacts.” http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM132831.pdf
There’s a good chance you’re already immune to chickenpox, though. I thought I had never had it, but I got a blood test that showed full immunity.
Carol asks…
Any problems with getting the shingles vaccine when you have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome?
Has anyone with CFS/FM had the shingles vaccine and did you experience any bad side-effects?
admin answers:
I would avoid a vaccine. There is mercury, formaldehyde, lead, aluminum, phenols, etc. They are not that safe. I have heard that people with fibromyalgia benefit greatly from a wheat free diet. Maybe give that a try and avoid the poisons…
Http://www.thinktwice.com/
http://www.nvic.org/state-site/state-exemptions.htm
http://www.vaclib.org/index.htm
http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/neurological_damage.htm
http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html
http://www.vaccines.bizland.com/links.htm
Michael asks…
Why is the shingles vaccine recommended for those over age 60?
I have shingles now and want to get the vaccine asap but I am only in my 40’s.
admin answers:
The main reason is that the human immune system starts weakening after 60. Talk to your doctor about getting the shot, since you had shingles at an early age.
Joseph asks…
What is the cost of a shingles vaccine?
I know people who have paid from $3 to $300. for a shingles vaccine. What is the cost of the medication to a clinic?
admin answers:
The clinic pays $180 for it. The cost to the patient is $300 unless insurance covers it or it is subsidised in some way.
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