Ashish Patel
Currently, there is only one shingles vaccine available in the United States: Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine or RZV)1. Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults 50 years and older2. It is also recommended for adults aged 19 years and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed. For Medicare-age patients, getting vaccinated against shingles is critical. This population faces significantly higher risks of developing shingles and experiencing severe complications as immune function naturally declines with age.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing dramatically after age 60. Complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a debilitating nerve pain lasting months or even years—affect up to 18% of older adults with shingles. Vision loss, skin infections, and even hospitalizations are additional risks for this age group.
The previous shingles vaccine, Zostavax, is no longer available for use in the United States as of November 18, 20203. Zostavax was discontinued in favor of Shingrix, which offered improved effectiveness and doesn't use a live virus4.
In 2006, the FDA approval of Zostavax, developed by Merck & Co., marked a significant milestone in shingles prevention and was instrumental in raising awareness about shingles prevention. As the first vaccine available to protect against shingles and its complications, Zostavax provided vital relief to adults aged 60 and older, reducing the risk of shingles by 51% and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) by 67%. At the time, it was a groundbreaking advancement, offering a much-needed option for reducing the burden of this painful disease.
In 2017, Shingrix, a recombinant, non-live vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline, built upon these early efforts, setting a new standard in shingles prevention. With over 90% efficacy in preventing both shingles and PHN, Shingrix provides Medicare-age adults with an even more effective tool to reduce their risk, avoid severe complications, and maintain their quality of life.
In 2018 the CDC updated recommendations giving preference to Shingrix as well as advising patients who were vaccinated with Zostavax to receive Shingrix.
CareSet, with 100% access to Medicare claims data (Parts A, B, and D), analyzed trends in shingles diagnoses and vaccination uptake in the time frame following the CDC 2018 recommendations. The decline in shingles diagnoses is a strong indicator of Shingrix’s impact on reducing disease burden among older adults.
Vaccination has become a cornerstone in shingles prevention for Medicare-age adults, offering a critical tool to reduce the risk of this painful disease and its complications. Shingles can cause prolonged pain, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life, making prevention through vaccination a vital priority for older adults.
Insights from CareSet’s analysis of Medicare claims data highlight the positive impact of widespread vaccination adoption in reducing shingles diagnoses. For Medicare-age patients, prioritizing vaccination is essential to lowering their risk and maintaining their overall well-being. Continued awareness, improved access, and strong healthcare provider engagement are key to ensuring that more patients benefit from this effective preventive measure.
If you previously received the Zostavax vaccine, it is still recommended that you get the Shingrix vaccine for better protection against shingles8.
1. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
2. https://www.shingrix.com/
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22996-shingles-vaccine
4. https://divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org/blog/2023/11/08/waning-original-shingles-vaccine/
5. https://www.shingrix.com/
6. https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-details/shingles-vaccine
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/faq-20057859
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/faq-20057859
