ATLANTA (AP) -- People 60 and older should get a one-time
shingles shot that can help prevent the painful rash. The
recommendation comes from Atlanta-based Centers for Disease
Control.
Researchers said there's a 50-50 chance the shot will prevent
shingles for those 60 and up, though the odds get worse the older
you get. The government believes it's worth the $160-per-dose cost.
Caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, shingles is a
blistering skin rash most common in older people. It usually ends
after four weeks, but one in five victims develop long-term nerve
pain. Other complications include scarring and loss of vision or
hearing.
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On the Net:
The CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/default.htm

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)