Shingles Vaccine on Backorder
Friday September 12, 2008
Shingles is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. Fortunately there is a vaccine to help prevent shingles from occuring. The vaccine, Zostavax, made by Merck, is recommended for everyone over 60 years old and people who are contemplating taking medications that suppress the immune system.
Merck recently announced that the increased demand for Zostavax has exhausted their supply and it may take four to five months before new vaccine is shipped.
Get the low-down on the shingles vaccine backorder with my recommendations for what you should do if you are over 60 and haven't been vaccinated.
Comments
I would like to point out, that Zostavax can cause shingles. I was a healthy 64 year old male who received the Zostavax vaccine on 2/5/08. Ten days later, my doctor diagnosed me with “classic shingles”. He put me on Valtrex for 7 days and I am still (1 month later) suffering with red spots on my (right) chest, pain in my right arm and shoulder, and severe itching. I notified Merck and my doctor also did! I read Merck’s “double blind” studies, and nowhere does it simply say: this vaccine can cause you to contract shingles. I have all the documentation as well as pictures. Please caution anyone who wants to gamble with their health. If you think that getting Shingles exactly 10 days after receiving the vaccine is a coincidence, go ahead and get the shot!
No one in San Diego seems to have the zoster vaccine. It must not cost enough to be worthwhile for the Merck robbers. Besides you only need one shot. Merck would rather sell something you take every day! The lack of vaccine is unnecessary and disgusting!
I am in Laguna Hills, CA. The local Walgreens has me on a wait list. I am number 172. They have been out for quite a while, and their back order is many weeks old.
Does anyone know if Medicare covers this vaccine?
The last I read about this, Medicare covers this vaccine. I am still undecided as to whether I will get it or not.
I have the Shingles now on the side of my stomach… I didn’t know what it was till I went to the doctor today.. She said it could have been pervented but mine was mostly brought on by stress… I am taking Valtrex 3 times a day… And its only contagious when I scratch it right..?? Thats what she that me… But mine doesn’t itch alot it just hurts…!!!