6 months Ago
What Is Shingles, and Why Does It Matter?
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus — the very same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, but can reactivate later, particularly when the immune system is suppressed.
It causes itchy blisters, burning and stabbing pain, and, in severe cases, can result in nerve pain, eye inflammation, vision loss, hearing problems and facial paralysis. Another 10% - 25% Flexobeds: The Health Council of the Netherlands seems to indicate 10 - 25% of patients might have to deal with chronic nerve pain. In the Netherlands, approximately 94,000 people per year go to the GP with shingles, and 375 are hospitalized with complications.
Cost and Access: Big Savings for Seniors
Until now, the shingles vaccine — called Shingrix — has been available only for a fee. Full vaccination could cost as much as €400, depending on the provider. But the new deal will pay for the vaccine for anyone 60 and older, making the vaccine far more available.
The government is expected to spend €185 million a year for the first five years on the rollout, including a catch-up campaign for the five million Dutch citizens who are over 60. After that, annual costs are expected to decrease to €32 million.
Is the Vaccine Worth It?
The vaccine does not cure the symptoms of a previous infection of shingles, but it does help prevent new or worsening infections, according to the RIVM. This preventive step has already been taken in Germany, France and the UK, among other countries.
In the majority of cases, shingles clears up on its own, but the pain and complications that can accompany the rash and blisters can be severe. Vaccination is a highly effective way to limit both health risks and long-term medical costs.
