Hot shot for shingles

Shingles has long been a menace for the stressed and aging. The virus, which lies latent in those who’ve had chickenpox — and, in rare cases, those who’ve received a vaccination against chickenpox — causes painful blisters and possible nerve damage in roughly 1 in 3 Americans, particularly those 60 and older.

That may soon change, thanks to a promising new vaccine, Shingrix, which was recently approved by the FDA. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended last month that people age 50 and older — including those already vaccinated with the anti-shingles drug Zostavax — get this new shot instead.

While Zostavax prevented shingles in only half of those inoculated — a figure that declined as patient age increased — the new vaccine was found to prevent 90 percent of cases in patients over age 70.

The new vaccine works in part by boosting the immune system, rather than infecting a patient with a live virus. As a result, it appears safe for those with compromised immune systems, although the panel has yet to recommend it for those with multiple sclerosis, HIV and other diseases. Possible side effects include redness and swelling at the area of injection, but experts say its benefits far outweigh any potential pain.

Shingrix, available soon, will require two shots and cost a reported $280 in total — versus $232 and one shot only for Zostavax.