Adults proving a tough target for shingles shot
February 6th, 2008 Posted by: Dr. Cox
Washington — What if researchers develop an effective vaccine but nobody uses it? That’s the fear of some in public health as disappointing data emerged from a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey indicating low immunization rates for some adult vaccines, particularly herpes zoster, or shingles.
Only 1.9% of people older than 60 — the group targeted for the shingles vaccine — have received protection from the painful condition, according to results from the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, released at a Jan. 23 news briefing.