NEW VACCINE TO PREVENT SHINGLES IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WITH IBD

In children, herpes zoster virus can cause chicken pox; in adults over 50, the virus can cause a rash with itching and burning pain. That infection and rash is commonly known as shingles, and it can be followed by even more severe infections. In IBD and other immune disorders, the infection is much more common. The medicines for IBD appear to increase the risk even more.

The Zoster Vaccine Presents a Problem for Those With IBD 

Because the pain and complications from the zoster virus can be long-lasting, vaccines have been developed—but they present a problem for those with IBD. 

The standard vaccine (immunization) for zoster / shingles is a live virus, so it is not safe for IBD patients on medicines that affect their immune systems—that's most of the medicines. 

A new vaccine similar to the hepatitis B and HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccines that have proven safe, has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for healthy adults over 50 years of age. No recommendation was made for those who are younger or who have IBD or other immune disorders, because studies have not been completed on those groups. 

The new vaccine is given in 2 doses 2 to 6 months apart. 

Gastroenterologists who care for patients with IBD are administering the new vaccine to those over 50 years of age and are waiting for the results of the studies in younger patients and those with immune problems. 

In the meantime, patients who do get shingles should be treated with medicines that shorten the time of the infection and seem to lessen the complications.

Next