Health professionals encourage shingles vaccination

Idaho Falls resident Polly Mortell has witnessed both her mother and uncle battle with shingles.

“My mother had a chronic case of shingles, which came and went periodically and I know she suffered greatly from it,” said Mortell. “My uncle never fully recovered from it. It started in his back and shoulders. It went up his neck to his face and it blinded him in one eye.”

As a result, Mortell was one of the first in Idaho Falls to get the shingles vaccination when it became available in 2006.

“I just felt like if I could prevent myself from being a victim of such a horrific illness, then I was going to do it no matter what it cost,” she said.

Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the chickenpox virus. Chickenpox never leaves the body and as older age brings about a weakened immune system, it can reemerge and cause the shingles rash.

According the Eastern Idaho Public Health officials, Shingles could become more prevalent throughout the community in persons 65 years and older.

“Vaccines are the best prevention for those who’ve had chickenpox in preventing this debilitating disease,” said registered nurse Nikki Sayer. “About 98 percent of adults in the U.S. have had the chickenpox.”

Doctors said shingle cases aren’t the same for everyone and are often different in severity. Many people experience a rash for up to 30 days. Experts say pain associated with the disease can last longer, and one in four cases leads to major complications and secondary illnesses.

Regardless of the risks, doctors say people often take their chances with the virus because vaccination costs are expensive ranging from $150 to $200. It’s best to talk with your insurance provider to determine coverage.