CDC: Older Americans Need Shingles Vaccines

Drug cuts risk of getting disease in half
By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 16, 2008 3:10 AM CDT
CDC: Older Americans Need Shingles Vaccines
A vaccination prevents about two-thirds of shingles cases, the vice president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says.   (Getty Images)

The CDC is recommending that all adults age 60 and older get vaccinated against shingles, a common condition that can result in chronic plan, the Washington Post reports. Research has found that the recommended Merck vaccine reduces the occurrence of shingles by some 50% in this age group. Only those with immunodeficiency diseases should not be vaccinated, according to the CDC. (More Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X