Health News
Though it's expensive and can be hard to find, a vaccine against shingles is now available to people 60 and up, and in some cases to those 50 and up. Until this year, the vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006, was only available to people 60 and older, The Courier-Journal's Darla Carter reports.
- Feds Fund Ky. Campaign To Promote Shots For Human Papilloma Virus, The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Disease
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen joined public health officials in Frankfort July 13 to launch Kentucky's new "Stop HPV Campaign," to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus,...
- Summer Is A Good Time To Make Sure Your Teenagers Or Preteens Get Their Four Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccines aren't just for babies. Preteens and teens also fall into an age group that has both required immunizations for school and recommended vaccines that can save their lives. Summer is a great time to take care of getting caught up on these vaccinations,...
- Five Myths About Flu Shots, Explored And Debunked
Myths about the influenza vaccine circulate every year and make it difficult for some to decide whether to get the shot, Tom Watkins reports for CNN. This prompted him to look at five of the most common myths and presents the "truth based on information...
- Boys Should Get Hpv Vaccine To Keep From Spreading Virus
A federal committee has recommended that boys receive the human papilloma virus vaccine, already recommended for girls, to fight the sexually transmitted virus that is known to cause cervical cancer. The vaccine could also protect boys against genital...
- New Immunization Rules For Children Take Effect July 1
Starting July 1, Kentucky will have new immunization requirements for infants, toddlers and schoolchildren, including age-appropriate pneumonia vaccine for children up to 5 years of age and meningitis vaccine for entry to the sixth grade. Additional...
Health News
Shingles vaccine available, but expensive, and can be hard to find
Though it's expensive and can be hard to find, a vaccine against shingles is now available to people 60 and up, and in some cases to those 50 and up. Until this year, the vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006, was only available to people 60 and older, The Courier-Journal's Darla Carter reports.The painful, contagious rash, which is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, affects about 1 million Americans each year. It usually appears on one side of the face or body and results in blisters, fever and pain. It can also result in permanent pain, a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN.
Though the FDA had approved the vaccine, "Some medical facilities are waiting until action by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before agreeing to provide the vaccine to people 50 to 59. The topic is expected to be discussed at the June meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which makes vaccine recommendations to the CDC," Carter reports.
The vaccine can cost more than $200, must be frozen and isn't always covered by insurance or Medicare. It is only covered through Medicare Part D, but not Medicare Part B. Many insurance companies are deciding whether or not to cover the vaccine pending the advisory committee's decision.
At Kroger pharmacies, the vaccine is available without a prescription for people 60 and up, but younger patients need a prescription, Carter reports. Take Care Clinics and Walgreens pharmacies require that customers be 60 or older to receive the vaccine. (Read more)
- Feds Fund Ky. Campaign To Promote Shots For Human Papilloma Virus, The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Disease
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen joined public health officials in Frankfort July 13 to launch Kentucky's new "Stop HPV Campaign," to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus,...
- Summer Is A Good Time To Make Sure Your Teenagers Or Preteens Get Their Four Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccines aren't just for babies. Preteens and teens also fall into an age group that has both required immunizations for school and recommended vaccines that can save their lives. Summer is a great time to take care of getting caught up on these vaccinations,...
- Five Myths About Flu Shots, Explored And Debunked
Myths about the influenza vaccine circulate every year and make it difficult for some to decide whether to get the shot, Tom Watkins reports for CNN. This prompted him to look at five of the most common myths and presents the "truth based on information...
- Boys Should Get Hpv Vaccine To Keep From Spreading Virus
A federal committee has recommended that boys receive the human papilloma virus vaccine, already recommended for girls, to fight the sexually transmitted virus that is known to cause cervical cancer. The vaccine could also protect boys against genital...
- New Immunization Rules For Children Take Effect July 1
Starting July 1, Kentucky will have new immunization requirements for infants, toddlers and schoolchildren, including age-appropriate pneumonia vaccine for children up to 5 years of age and meningitis vaccine for entry to the sixth grade. Additional...