Zostavax shingles vaccine is now available free from 1 November 2016 for adults aged 70-79 years of age.
Shingles is unpredictable and can be serious. 97% of adults have the virus that causes shingles within them. 1 in 3 adults may develop shingles in their life time. Incidence and severity of shingles increases with age.
Shingles is more than just a rash. It is also associated with unbearable (awful) pain such as sharp and burning. It may also increases the “risk of stroke in the following 6 months; 63 % higher risk of stroke in 4 weeks after shingles versus baseline period.
Up to 20% may develop Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). Patients with PHN may suffer from excruciating nerve pain”.
Having vaccinated against this disease called shingles is the right steps to prevent any serious complications that may occur to any elderly especially who are at risk of developing this disease.
To know more about this new vaccine, please call us at 02-9698 3060 to book an appointment to see one of our GP
