Vaksin Herpes Zoster Cegah Penyakit Menyakitkan

The rising incidence of shingles, a painful and potentially debilitating viral infection, highlights the critical need for preventative measures. Leading Indonesian physician Dr. Soekamto Koesnoe, a key member of PAPDI's Adult Immunization Task Force, emphasizes the significance of vaccination, particularly for adults, in combating this prevalent health concern.

Who is at Risk for Shingles?

Individuals aged 50 and older are at a considerably higher risk of developing shingles due to the natural weakening of the immune system with age. This risk is further amplified in individuals with compromised immune systems resulting from conditions such as HIV, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or chemotherapy. The shingles virus, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can remain dormant for years before manifesting as a painful, blistering rash.

Understanding Shingles and its Complications

Shingles symptoms typically include a painful, blistering rash often accompanied by pain, itching, tingling, or numbness in a specific area of the body. These blisters generally appear in clusters, dry up within 10-15 days, and disappear completely within 2-4 weeks. However, serious complications can arise. Eye involvement may lead to vision loss, while other potential complications include pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and, in rare cases, death.

Shingles Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccination significantly reduces the pain and improves the quality of life for shingles sufferers. The updated Indonesian adult immunization schedule (July 2024) recommends the shingles vaccine for:

• Adults aged 50 and older.
• Individuals aged 18 and older with compromised immune systems, regardless of prior shingles history.
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or with other compromised immune systems should consult their doctor before vaccination. Vaccination is not recommended during an active rash.

Who is at higher risk of getting shingles?

Individuals aged 50 and older are at significantly higher risk, as their immune systems weaken with age. Those with compromised immune systems due to conditions like HIV, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or chemotherapy are also at increased risk.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Shingles symptoms include a painful, blistering rash, often accompanied by pain, itching, tingling, or numbness in a specific area of the body. These blisters typically appear in clusters.

How long does a shingles rash last?

The blisters usually dry up within 10-15 days and completely disappear within 2-4 weeks.

What are the potential complications of shingles?

Potential complications include eye involvement (causing vision loss), pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and, rarely, death.

What is the benefit of the shingles vaccine?

Vaccination significantly reduces the pain and improves the quality of life for shingles sufferers compared to unvaccinated individuals.

Who is recommended to get the shingles vaccine according to the updated Indonesian schedule?

Adults aged 50 and older, and individuals 18 and older with compromised immune systems, regardless of prior shingles history, are recommended to get the vaccine. Those undergoing chemotherapy or with other compromised immune systems should consult their doctor.

Protecting Yourself from Shingles

Increased awareness and proactive vaccination are vital in reducing the incidence of shingles. The simple act of getting vaccinated represents a significant step towards safeguarding your health and well-being, minimizing the risk of this potentially debilitating condition.