CDC: Over 60s should be immunized against shingles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that adults over the age of 60 should be vaccinated against shingles.

According to the CDC, over 60s in the US should be given a single dose of the zoster vaccine Zostavax, regardless of prior infection.

Research found that in adults aged between 60 and 69 the vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by 64 per cent.

Statistics show that over 95 per cent of people are infected by the varicella zoster virus during their lifetime.

Approximately one in three people in the US will develop shingles during their lifetimes, resulting in about one million cases of shingles each year.

Among those who get shingles, more than one-third will develop serious complications and the risk of complications rises after 60 years of age.

However, the CDC states that immediate treatment of herpes zoster can control acute symptoms and reduce the risk of longer-term complications.