In the good old days, we’d all get a dose of chicken pox and didn’t think any more about it. The sneaky varicella virus, however, goes into hiding, only to re-emerge as shingles many years later. Now this is a painful issue and can even lead to blindness if eye nerves are affected. The pain can be acute, associated with the localised blistered rash, or can last several months the form of post-herpetic neuralgia.
The shingles vaccine is relatively recent and is now available at no cost for Australians aged 70 (and up to age 79 for a limited period). The older you are, the less effective the vaccine.
If you are younger than 70 and would like the vaccine, it is available privately.
For some years, children in Australia have received free varicella (chicken pox) vaccines.
The shingles vaccine offers partial protection, so can reduce your risk or the severity of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. As it is derived from the live virus, it should not be given to people with low immunity.
If you develop a rash that could be shingles, make sure you see your GP within 72 hours, as medication can be used to shorten the illness.
The Immunise Australia Program section on the Department of Health’s website provides useful information on vaccines.
