The Centers for Disease Control recently issued new recommendations for all adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that they be immunized for shingles.  To read more about the CDC recommendation, I you can use this link.  I encourage you to talk with your doctor about this recommendation and whether it is right for you.

Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in the body after the person is infected. It causes blisters, which develop on one side of the body and can cause severe pain that may last for weeks, months or years.  If it appears on the face, there is the chance of the loss of some vision or blindness, if the virus infects the eye.  In some cases, it has also resulted in hearing loss.

Currently, about a million cases of shingles occur each year in the United States, with half of them occurring in people aged 60 and older.  Of all adults 85 and older, roughly half have had shingles.

The vaccine for shingles is not perfect and should not be taken by certain people, including those with compromised immune symptoms.  This is a matter that should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator