SHINGLES (ZOSTER) VACCINE IN SINGAPORE The new shingles (zoster) vaccine is now in stock at the Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic, in limited quantities. Shingles vaccine is US FDA-approved, and recommended by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for persons over age 60 who wish to reduce their risk of shingles. Patients requesting shingles vaccine must make a doctor's appointment. Use: Age: Dose: Cost:
For adults 60 years of age and older who wish to reduce their risk of shingles Adults 60 years of age and older, without immunocompromise 1 dose administered subcutaneously S$420 (including GST)
======================================== What is shingles? Shingles is a painful skin rash, usually with blisters. Shingles is also called "herpes zoster" or "zoster". What causes shingles? Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is NOT caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is referred to as "herpes". After an individual has had chickenpox, the VZV virus stays in his/her body. It can re-activate and cause shingles many years later. One in five people with shingles can have severe pain even long after the rash has gone. This is called "post-herpetic neuralgia" Why should I get the shingles vaccine? In clinical trials, the vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by 50%. The vaccine can reduce pain in people who still get shingles after being vaccinated. Currently, the ACIP recommends its use for adults 60 years of age and older. Is the shingles vaccine safe? The shingles vaccine was licensed in 2006 in the United States. It is a live vaccine, so should not be given to pregnant women or persons with weakened immune systems from HIV/AIDS, medications such as steroids, cancer treatment including chemotherapy or radiation, cancers that affect the bone marrow or lymphatic system such as leukemia or lymphoma. Persons who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to neomycin, gelatin, or any other component of shingles vaccine should not receive the vaccine.
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic Tan Tock Seng Hospital