Shingles: the number of vaccinations has increased significantly
shingles (Herpes Zoster) is an infectious disease caused by Varicella zoster viruses is caused. These viruses release on first contact chickenpox out. A recent analysis now shows that the number of vaccinations against shingles have increased significantly. Experts explain who should be vaccinated.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI). After the chickenpox has subsided, the virus remains in the nerve cells for life and can reappear at a later date as herpes zoster. But there is a vaccination against it.
Nerve pain can last for years
Typical of shingles is initially a burning pain, followed by a mostly one-sided, band-like spread of blisters in the skin area belonging to the affected nerve.
The most common occur symptoms on the torso and chest, but they also occur in the head area.
After the rash has healed, a nerve pain persist for several months to years in the previously affected skin region.
Over 300,000 illnesses per year
According to studies by the RKI on the basis of billing data from the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians from outpatient care, significantly more than 300,000 people an Herpes Zoster.
In principle, every person who once varicella was ill also had shingles.
Herpes zoster usually occurs only once, however recurrent illnesses are occasionally possible.
Vaccination recommendation of the STIKO
As on the portal “impfen-info.deThe Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA) explains that the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends vaccination against herpes zoster with an inactivated vaccine to prevent shingles and prolonged nerve pain:
- all people from 60 years,
- all persons over the age of 50 whose weakened immune system (e.g. due to illness, after bone marrow or organ transplantation, during immunosuppressive therapy),
- and anyone over the age of 50 with a severe underlying condition (e.g. chronic diseases of the lungs (COPD), kidneys or intestines, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus).
Tripled the number of vaccine doses delivered
And apparently more and more people are getting vaccinated against shingles.
According to Message the ABDA – Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists e. V., the number of vaccine doses delivered by pharmacies to medical practices – according to a current analysis by the German Drug Testing Institute (DAPI) on behalf of the German Pharmacists’ Association (DAV) – more than tripled in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period last year – from 662,000 to 2, 0 million (+209 percent).
“Anyone who has been vaccinated against shingles protects itself. Anyone who has been vaccinated against measles, whooping cough or HPV to prevent cervical cancer also protects other people from infection. That’s why: Every vaccination counts.”so DAV-Vizevorsitzender Dr. Hans-Peter Hubmann.
“The current corona and the forthcoming flu vaccinations show us how beneficial proven vaccines against dangerous pathogens are”, says the expert. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Robert Koch Institute: Shingles (herpes zoster): Answers to frequently asked questions about the disease and vaccination, (accessed: August 20, 2022), Robert Koch Institute
- Federal Center for Health Education: Shingles vaccination in adults, (accessed: 08/20/2022), impfen-info.de
- ABDA – Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists e. V.: More vaccinations against shingles, (accessed: 08/20/2022), ABDA
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.