Federal Panel Recommends Shingles Vaccination for Adults 60 and Older

Atlanta — The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a shingles vaccine for adults aged 60 and older. The ACIP, a panel of immunization experts, advises federal agencies.

The committee cited the vaccine's potential to prevent herpes zoster as the primary reason for the recommendation. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, can lead to chronic pain in some individuals. The vaccine targets the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

Shingles presents as a painful rash, typically on one side of the body. The condition arises from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in individuals who previously had chickenpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime.

The ACIP regularly reviews and updates vaccine recommendations based on scientific data. These recommendations influence vaccine schedules and coverage policies nationwide. Recommendations from the ACIP are reviewed by the CDC and often adopted as guidelines for healthcare providers.