Latest news with #VZV
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RFK Jr misleads on chickenpox vaccine use in Europe
Kennedy's claim came during a May 14, 2025 hearing of the House Appropriations Committee, when Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan asked if he would vaccinate his own children against chickenpox. The secretary did not answer directly, saying: "I don't want to give advice. I can tell you, in Europe, they don't use the chickenpox vaccine, specifically because the pre-clinical trial shows that when you inoculate the population for chickenpox, you get shingles in older people, which is more dangerous" (archived here). Kennedy expressed repeated skepticism over vaccines throughout his more than ten-year career as chairman Children's Health Defense, an organization AFP has regularly fact-checked for spreading misinformation about vaccination. Since taking over at HHS, he has continued to send mixed messages about vaccines that boast long safety records. His response to a measles outbreak in Texas that left two children dead, for example, has been criticized for underemphasizing the efficacy of vaccines that protect against the virus. His agency is also seeking to introduce new testing requirements for all vaccines, which experts worry could make updates for existing shots less available and more expensive. AFP's review of vaccine recommendations across Europe show his comments about chickenpox and shingles are inaccurate. A 2022 study found that 28 European countries administer the shots, with 16 using the MMRV, a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (archived here and here). According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency of the European Union, the chickenpox vaccine is mandatory as of May 2025 for young children in Hungary, Italy and Latvia (archived here). Varicella, commonly referred to as chickenpox, and herpes zoster, also called shingles, are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says anyone infected with varicella can develop herpes zoster. While children generally recover from chickenpox in four to seven days, the disease can lead to serious complications, and it is more dangerous for adults. Pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable, as the virus can harm the fetus (archived here and here). The United States began vaccinating against chickenpox in 1995, making it the first country to add the shot to its routine childhood immunization schedule (archived here). As of 2025, there are two chickenpox vaccines licensed in the United States (archived here). The vaccine's implementation dramatically cut hospitalizations and deaths linked to chickenpox infections, José Romero, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, told AFP (archived here). "We have a vaccine that is effective, that is safe, that's been tested for over a decade -- over two decades -- and that has really done away with the number of hospitalizations, cases and deaths due to chickenpox," he said May 20, 2025. The CDC estimates that in its first 25 years, the vaccination program prevented 91 million cases of chickenpox while also saving $23.4 billion in healthcare costs (archived here). The agency also says children who get the chickenpox vaccine "have a lower risk of herpes zoster when compared with children infected with wild-type VZV" (archived here). Like chickenpox, shingles causes a painful, itchy rash, but it tends to take two to four weeks to heal. For some 10 to 18 percent of people, the infection results in a more serious long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (archived here). An estimated one million cases of shingles occur annually in the United States. The CDC says the rate among US adults "gradually increased over a long period" for reasons unknown, but that it has "recently plateaued or declined" (archived here). Some evidence has suggested that for adults who had chickenpox in childhood, later exposure to children infected with VZV would boost immunity and prove protective against shingles. But a study from the United Kingdom showed the impact may not be as robust as initially thought (archived here and here). US researchers separately followed the impact of their country's vaccination program from 1998 to 2019. They found that modeling, which predicted the program could precipitate a rise in shingles cases among adults who had previously had chickenpox, was not supported by the real-world data (archived here). They also found that in addition to directly reducing chickenpox morbidity and mortality, the vaccination program "reduced herpes zoster incidence among children and adolescents born in the vaccine era." When the United Kingdom's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation decided to recommend adding the chickenpox vaccine to its schedule of shots for children in 2023, it specifically referenced the study from the United States as alleviating concerns for older populations who have recovered from a varicella infection (archived here). Ellen Rafferty, a researcher at the University of Alberta (archived here), also told the BBC in 2024 that her modeling study from Canada did not show "conclusive evidence" of a surge in shingles cases following the introduction of a chickenpox vaccine program (archived here and here). For adults concerned about shingles, the United States recommends that those over the age of 50 receive a vaccine (archived here). A single shot against the virus first became available in 2006, and in 2017, another vaccine that does not use a live virus earned approval (archived here). Read more of AFP's reporting on vaccine misinformation here.
AFP
22-05-2025
- Health
- AFP
RFK Jr misleads on chickenpox vaccine use in Europe
Kennedy's claim came during a May 14, 2025 hearing of the House Appropriations Committee, when Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan asked if he would vaccinate his own children against chickenpox. The secretary did not answer directly, saying: "I don't want to give advice. I can tell you, in Europe, they don't use the chickenpox vaccine, specifically because the pre-clinical trial shows that when you inoculate the population for chickenpox, you get shingles in older people, which is more dangerous" (archived here). Image US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the House Appropriations Committee on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Samuel Corum) Kennedy expressed repeated skepticism over vaccines throughout his more than ten-year career as chairman Children's Health Defense, an organization AFP has regularly fact-checked for spreading misinformation about vaccination. Since taking over at HHS, he has continued to send mixed messages about vaccines that boast long safety records. His response to a measles outbreak in Texas that left two children dead, for example, has been criticized for underemphasizing the efficacy of vaccines that protect against the virus. His agency is also seeking to introduce new testing requirements for all vaccines, which experts worry could make updates for existing shots less available and more expensive. AFP's review of vaccine recommendations across Europe show his comments about chickenpox and shingles are inaccurate. A 2022 study found that 28 European countries administer the shots, with 16 using the MMRV, a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (archived here and here). According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency of the European Union, the chickenpox vaccine is mandatory as of May 2025 for young children in Hungary, Italy and Latvia (archived here). Chickenpox Varicella, commonly referred to as chickenpox, and herpes zoster, also called shingles, are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says anyone infected with varicella can develop herpes zoster. While children generally recover from chickenpox in four to seven days, the disease can lead to serious complications, and it is more dangerous for adults. Pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable, as the virus can harm the fetus (archived here and here). The United States began vaccinating against chickenpox in 1995, making it the first country to add the shot to its routine childhood immunization schedule (archived here). As of 2025, there are two chickenpox vaccines licensed in the United States (archived here). The vaccine's implementation dramatically cut hospitalizations and deaths linked to chickenpox infections, José Romero, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, told AFP (archived here). "We have a vaccine that is effective, that is safe, that's been tested for over a decade -- over two decades -- and that has really done away with the number of hospitalizations, cases and deaths due to chickenpox," he said May 20, 2025. The CDC estimates that in its first 25 years, the vaccination program prevented 91 million cases of chickenpox while also saving $23.4 billion in healthcare costs (archived here). The agency also says children who get the chickenpox vaccine "have a lower risk of herpes zoster when compared with children infected with wild-type VZV" (archived here). Shingles Like chickenpox, shingles causes a painful, itchy rash, but it tends to take two to four weeks to heal. For some 10 to 18 percent of people, the infection results in a more serious long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (archived here). An estimated one million cases of shingles occur annually in the United States. The CDC says the rate among US adults "gradually increased over a long period" for reasons unknown, but that it has "recently plateaued or declined" (archived here). Some evidence has suggested that for adults who had chickenpox in childhood, later exposure to children infected with VZV would boost immunity and prove protective against shingles. But a study from the United Kingdom showed the impact may not be as robust as initially thought (archived here and here). US researchers separately followed the impact of their country's vaccination program from 1998 to 2019. They found that modeling, which predicted the program could precipitate a rise in shingles cases among adults who had previously had chickenpox, was not supported by the real-world data (archived here). They also found that in addition to directly reducing chickenpox morbidity and mortality, the vaccination program "reduced herpes zoster incidence among children and adolescents born in the vaccine era." When the United Kingdom's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation decided to recommend adding the chickenpox vaccine to its schedule of shots for children in 2023, it specifically referenced the study from the United States as alleviating concerns for older populations who have recovered from a varicella infection (archived here). Ellen Rafferty, a researcher at the University of Alberta (archived here), also told the BBC in 2024 that her modeling study from Canada did not show "conclusive evidence" of a surge in shingles cases following the introduction of a chickenpox vaccine program (archived here and here). For adults concerned about shingles, the United States recommends that those over the age of 50 receive a vaccine (archived here). A single shot against the virus first became available in 2006, and in 2017, another vaccine that does not use a live virus earned approval (archived here). Read more of AFP's reporting on vaccine misinformation here.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
N.L. expanding free shingles vaccine to all residents over 50 by September
The Newfoundland and Labrador government announced it's expanding accessibility to the free shingles vaccine to people 50 and older by September, but will start with making it available to immunocompromised seniors on June 1. Premier John Hogan made the announcement on Thursday, following through on a promise he first made during his campaign for Liberal leadership last month. In a news release, the Department of Health and Community Services said that immunocompromised residents between the ages of 50 and 64 will be able to access the vaccine on June 1, with every other resident over 50 years old gaining access on Sept. 1. The province currently offers the vaccine to seniors who are 65 and older, and to those older than 70 and are immunocompromised. In March, then interim health minister John Haggie announced the province would increase that access on June 1. Shingles comes from the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox and can cause rashes and lifelong nerve pain. Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell told reporters Thursday the province had allocated $8.5 million in this year's budget to the provincial vaccine program, but estimates show making the vaccine available to everyone over 50 could cost around $30 million. At the time, Progressive Conservative health critic Barry Petten called it a political move. This week in the House of Assembly, the party wanted to make sure Hogan would stick to his word. During question period inside the House of Assembly on Monday, PC Leader Tony Wakeham asked several times if Hogan would expand the vaccine's availability. Howell and deputy premier Siobhan Coady answered in place of Hogan the first three times the question was asked. Hogan answered the fourth time around. "We will deliver vaccines to everybody over the age of 50 for shingles," he said. The announced expansion comes three days after that exchange, and just one day after the 2025-26 provincial budget was passed in the House. Howell told reporters the government was able to make the announcement once it knew the amount of vaccine that was needed to make the expansion happen. Download our to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our . Click .
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: shingles
What is shingles? Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus responsible for chickenpox. Varicella-zoster (VZV) is among the group of viruses called the herpes viruses, according to information on the Mayo Clinic's website. The virus that causes chickenpox and shingles however, are not the same as the one that cause cold sores or genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention says one in every three people in the United States of America will have shingles in their lifetime. Also Read:Global survey shows many over 50 in India are unaware of shingles disease despite being at risk Who is at risk for shingles? A person who has had chickenpox will harbour the virus for life. The virus remains inactive for years and sometimes is reactivated and travels along the nervous system when the immune system weakens. Typically, people over the age of 50, pregnant women, newborns and older persons are at risk. People who are under radiation or chemotherapy for cancer will have a lowered immune system also putting them at risk. Those who are on immunosuppressants following transplantation or on steroids for a long time are also at higher risk. Shingles can appear as a single stripe of blisters anywhere on the body, including the face. The infection can spread to a person who has never had chickenpox earlier and cause chickenpox in them. What are the symptoms? The infection is not life-threatening, but it can be extremely painful. The symptoms include pain, a burning and tingling sensation and itching followed by red rashes. The rashes develop into blisters filled with fluid which break, and scabs form. Shingles is contagious until the blisters break. Doctors advise people with shingles to isolate themselves and to take plenty of rest. The clothes and towels they use should be washed separately. A person with shingles may have fever, headache, fatigue and experience sensitivity to light. If the rashes appear near the eye, it is important to see the doctor and seek treatment to avoid permanent damage to the eye. To prevent spreading the infection, the CDC advises covering the rash. Avoid scratching it and wash hands often for 20 seconds at a time, besides practicing self-isolation. The pain and the rash will settle in three to five weeks and the blisters do not leave scars. What are the complications shingles could cause? The CDC says shingles can sometime lead to serious complications such as long-term nerve pain and loss of sight. In some people, the pain may persist even after the blisters have cleared. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. This could be due to pain signals being sent from the skin to the brain by damaged nerve fibers, according to Mayo Clinic. If shingles occur in or around the eye, known as ophthalmic shingles, it can cause painful eye infections, resulting in loss of sight. Some people could also experience neurological problems such as encephalitis (inflammation in the brain), facial paralysis or have hearing and balance issues. When the blisters are not treated properly, they could lead to bacterial infections. What are the treatment modalities? People at risk could get vaccinated. Two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV Shingrix) are recommended by the CDC for those aged over 50. The vaccination would reduce the virulence of the infection even if it were to occur. Vaccination is recommended for anyone over 19 years with a weakened immune system. According to the National Institute on Ageing the shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the disease.
Shafaq News
11-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Iraq's al-Anbar: Chickenpox outbreak among students 'Not Alarming'
Shafaq News/ On Friday, health authorities in Iraq's western al-Anbar province confirmed several chickenpox cases among students in Haditha district, describing the situation as 'stable and under control.' Mohammed Sabah Dawood, Director of the Public Health Department at al-Anbar Health Directorate, told our agency that the infections are 'within expected levels and not alarming,' adding that health teams have been 'monitoring the situation daily' and implemented precautionary measures immediately after detection. He noted that infected students were placed on mandatory leave to prevent further spread. 'All indicators suggest that the situation is receding in line with adherence to the implemented health measures,' Dawood asserted, calling for continued cooperation between school staff, parents, and health personnel to ensure student safety. What is Chickenpox? Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which spreads through airborne droplets and contact with blister fluid. Common in school-aged children, it typically presents with an itchy rash, fever, and fatigue. Additionally, the incubation period ranges from 10 to 21 days, with individuals contagious from one to two days before symptom onset until all blisters have scabbed.
