Should I Take the Shingles Vaccine?

Monday, 01 Apr 2013 09:15 AM

By Russell Blaylock, M.D.






Question: My doctor recently recommended that I be vaccinated against shingles. Do you think I should get the shot?
 
 
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
 
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by a latent herpes virus (the chickenpox virus) becoming
reactivated during conditions of immune suppression. Because aging suppresses immunity in some elderly people, it is more common as we age. In fact, one can have silent chickenpox and retain a latent, sleeping virus within spinal ganglion cells, where the virus hides.
 
Once the vaccine companies and CDC popularized a chickenpox vaccine for children, the incidence of shingles in older people increased substantially. Some cases are spread directly from vaccinated children. The shingles vaccine is also known to cause a number of cases and can spread to others.
 
The best way to resist shingles is to keep your immune system strong. This is done by taking astaxanthin, lycopene, buffered vitamin C, and a balanced multivitamin every day. Taking beta-glucan (250 mg twice a week) on an empty stomach will also strengthen the cellular immune system, which is your primary weapon against this virus.

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