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Shingles Vaccine Recommendations for Health Care Workers

Shingles is a very painful form of herpes caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blistering rash on part of the body. Some healthcare workers are at an increased risk for contracting the illness. Healthcare workers should be aware of the risks associated with shingles for themselves and their patients. They need to understand how the virus can be transmitted and if they should have the vaccine to prevent the disease.

  1. Shingle Basics

    • Shingles is a disease that frequently presents in the immune-impaired population and is known to be more prevalent in older individuals. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the shingles virus most commonly occurs in patients aged 50 and older. It is a virus that can cause a breakout in anyone who has had Chickenpox, and breakouts can occur repeatedly. The virus can be transmitted person to person through airborne droplets or by touching the fluid that oozes out of the blisters. The virus can have an incubation period of two to three weeks. Once the breakout occurs it can last for a few days to a few weeks. The pain and discomfort of the virus can also be for a short period of time or may last for several weeks.

    The Shingles Vaccine

    • The shingles vaccine, known as Zostavax, is used in adults aged 60 and older to prevent an outbreak. The vaccine itself is made from a weakened form of the Chickenpox virus and, once given, can be effective for up to 6 years. It is not used as treatment for a person who already has a shingles outbreak. The cost of the vaccine is covered by most private insurance companies and Medicare. The website for the CDC reports that the vaccine has been used on about 20,000 people in the US and is believed to be safe.

    Recommendations for Healthcare Workers

    • Healthcare workers who have not had Chickenpox may be at an increased risk of getting the virus. All healthcare providers who work with patients who are immune compromised (such as cancer patients) or the elderly should get the vaccine to prevent the possible spread of the disease to themselves or to others they are caring for. Healthcare workers working with a shingles patient should use precautions such as gowns, gloves and specialized masks. The vaccine can also be given to healthcare workers who are at an increased risk themselves and it is recommended for those individuals aged 60 and above. However, workers should discuss this with a physician before receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is not advised for women who are pregnant or for people with HIV, a compromised immune system, or those who have had allergic reactions to other vaccines.

    Working If You Have Shingles

    • If you do contract shingles you should notify your supervisor immediately. Since shingles is considered a contagious disease some medical facilities may not allow their healthcare workers to work until the lesions dry and crust over and/or until a physician approves a return to work. At this point the healthcare worker is not considered to be contagious to others.

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