Health Shingles Anyone who has had chickenpox as a child, which is most of us, documented or otherwise, is vulnerable to shingles and about one-third of us will develop it most commonly over the age of 50. As we age, our immune systembecomes weaker and the virus from the chickenpox we had suddenly erupts as a painful skin rash. In addition to the pain and suffering from the rash, serious side-effects can result, such as post-herpetic neuralgia pain (whichmay last for years), blindness, deafness and meningitis. It is estimated that about 17,000 persons in Canada develop post-herpetic neuralgia annually, which may last for years, or even a lifetime. The most recently approved vaccine to prevent shingles was approved in Canada in January 2018. Named Shingrix, it has been shown to have much higher protection rates than the earlier vaccine called Zostavax. Studies have shown that Zostavax has an average effectiveness of only 50% for those in their 60s, falling to 20% for those over 80. The new vaccine, Shingrix, has been shown to be more than 90% effective in all those over 50. The protection is known at present to last for at least four years, pending further study. The vaccine is recommended by many for use in those who have had a previous episode of shingles, as well as those who have previously had the Zostavax vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses, the second dose given two to six months after the first injection. At present, the cost is high at about $250.00, but hopefully with such high efficacy rates, provincial health plans will eventually cover these costs. Tetanus We often forget about tetanus or lockjaw as we hear and see little of this condition. It is contracted from the tetanus bacteria entering a wound from the soil. One of the reasons for this rarity is that most of us have maintained immunity and the prevalence of this infection is so low in North America. Because the shots we have had to protect us from tetanus weaken with time, the Public Health Agency of Canada still recommends that we get a booster vaccine every 10 years. For travellers to certain foreign countries in Asia, Africa and southern Europe where warm, moist soils commonly contain the tetanus bacteria, up-to-date immunization is especially important. Travel Immunizations For those who travel outside of North America, there may be vaccines or drugs which are advised according to your destinations and your age. Most cities have travel medical clinics or doctor’s offices which specialize in travel medical issues and provide the vaccines recommended for those countries which you will visit. You will find initial advice on websites such as the Public Health Agency of Canada, Travel Health. This site will educate you about travel, advice and advisories, yellow fever vaccination centres, travel health notices about potential health risks in certain areas, and travel health and safety. The Government of Canada website issues travel advisories where travel is declared to be unsafe and not recommended. Remember also that most travel insurance benefits will not apply if claims are made while visiting the sites declared unsafe. Other Vaccinations There are many other vaccines that may be recommended for individuals with certain conditions or because of age, location or occupational considerations. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal meningitis are examples. Tuberculosis, still common in much of the world including our indigenous communities, has a vaccine, BCG – first used in 1921, which provides fairly effective protection for infants and children but which loses much of its effectiveness in adults. If you have a unique situation or are travelling outside of North America, a special vaccine or drug to prevent a certain illness may be recommended. With all vaccines, the best advice is the advice that you receive from your own doctor recognizing your own particular health situation. This should involve a careful review of your past vaccinations and current protection. Be sure that yours is complete and up to date and document it yourself for future reference. 38 | www.snowbirds.org
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