VACCINATIONS ARE IMPORTANT: Focus Measles and Shingles

Misinformation about vaccines is still widely reported.

The Assistant Secretary for Health, Surgeon General, and CDC Director focus on Americans’ health and the importance of vaccines for all Americans. Click here for more info about vaccinations.

Modern vaccines are highly effective and safe, with most serious side effects being exceptionally rare — and much less serious than contracting the actual disease. For example, the recent measles outbreaks are cause for concern because this disease had become rare in the U.S., however, now unvaccinated people are getting infected, sometimes with dire consequences.

Risk for shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) increases with age. CDC recommends that people 60+ get shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) to prevent shingles and PHN. People with PHN have severe pain in shingles rash areas, even after the rash clears up. The pain from PHN may be severe and debilitating. Shingles may lead to serious complications involving the eye such as vision loss. Shingles can also lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or death.

Vaccination is the best protection against measles, shingles and PHN. Other immunizations important to seniors are flu, tetanus booster, and Pneumococcal. We must take advantage of the lifesaving tools we have to protect our nation’s most vulnerable.