DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

From: "Hadden, Susan [PRDUS]" 
Date: May 21, 2008 8:24:10 AM EDT (CA)
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Shingles Vaccine

My two cents worth (I'm an RN as well as a chemist so maybe I'm worth  
3 cents?):

I had chickenpox as a child and so, am at risk for shingles. I will  
likely get the vaccine for two reasons. One, to avoid what can be a  
very painful episode and two, consider the economics. The vaccine may  
cost $150 but how much does the treatment cost? doctor's visit(s),  
anti-virals, pain meds, etc. It is likely cheaper to get vaccinated  
and a lot less painful.
That said, each person should have a discussion with their health care  
provider about their risk and the value to them.