Chances are we know of someone who has had Shingles before. The condition is caused by the reactivation of the chicken pox (varicella) virus and usually causes a rash in an area on one side of your body.
The Shingrix vaccine (GSK) was approved for use in Singapore in January 2022. Prior to this, the only other brand in the market was Zostavax which had an efficacy of 51-70%.
Here's 3 reasons why you may want to consider the Shingrix vaccine.
1. Chance of getting Shingles are high - 1 in three people get shingles in their lifetime.
The virus is already inside most individuals and the reactivation of the virus from its dormant stage is what causes Shingles. This usually happens as we age or as our immunity wanes.
Even people who are vaccinated against chicken pox can also get shingles years later!
2. Getting Shingles can cause long standing pain and is difficult to treat once you have it
Shingles produces a painful rash that blisters and scabs after 7 - 10 days and usually takes 2-4 weeks to clear up. 48- 72 hours before the rash appears, people may experience pain, itching, tingling and numbness where the rash will develop.
In most people, shingles resolves on its own and people fully recover. However, 30% of patients develop postherpatic neuralgia (PHN). These individuals experience pain for months or years over t he same area, even after the rash clears up.
If Shingles affects the eye (herpes zoster opthalmicus that happens in around 25% of cases), it can lead to even more serious complications such as vision loss.
3. The vaccine offers 90% protection for those 50 years old and above
Shingrix is given as 2 doses using a non-live recombinant subunit vaccine. The 2nd dose being given 2 - 6 months later. Its efficacy results are at 90% prevention in populations who are 50 years old and above.
If you also have other conditions that may cause a weakened immunity, eg. diabetes, chronic kidney disease, you should also consider being vaccinated.
Dosage and cost
$448 nett (inclusive of GST) per dose
2 doses are required
How can I go about getting the vaccine?
Visit any one of our clinics to get vaccinated today. Drop a whatsapp text to find out if stock is available.
Kovan
Landline - +65 62433036
Whatsapp - +65 88799404.
Potong Pasir
Landline - +65 6242 6384
Whatsapp - +65 80223129
Teck Ghee
Landline - +65 69049579
Whatsapp +65 80616220
Tampines
Landline - +65 62233803
Whatsapp - +65 8065 0191.
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