Medicine of the Year (so far!)
As the world is about to crown the world champion of football (my pick? Spain! -sorry, football's not coming home team), it feels like the right moment to crown our Medicine of the Year (so far!).
The judging criteria: how nasty the disease it prevents, how well it works, its side effect profile, and — bonus round! — anything extra it brings to the table.
So without further ado, Roslyn Pharmacy is proud to announce that (drum roll please...) Shingrix is our Medicine of the Year (so far!)
Here's why.
Round 1: How nasty is shingles?
Very. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox (and most of us have), the virus never actually leaves — it lies dormant in your nerves and can reactivate years or decades later, usually when you're over 50. The result is a painful, blistering rash along the path of a nerve, often with fever, headache and fatigue thrown in.
And here's the part people don't realise: where you get the attack is luck of the draw. The virus reactivates along whichever nerve it's been hiding in, and you don't get a say. If it's a nerve on your torso, that's miserable enough. But if the nerve around your face or eye is affected, it can be particularly nasty — it can threaten your vision and cause severe, long-lasting facial pain. Some people are also left with nerve pain that lingers for months or even years after the rash has gone (the medical name is postherpetic neuralgia, and it is no fun at all).
Round 2: Does it work?
Yes — spectacularly. Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles, and unlike many vaccines that protection holds up well in older adults, who are exactly the people most at risk. In the vaccine world, those are World Cup-winning, golden boot level numbers.
Round 3: Side effects?
Honest answer: your arm will probably let you know about it. A sore arm, some muscle aches, tiredness or a mild fever for a day or two are common — it's a sign your immune system is paying attention. Most side effects settle within a few days with rest and plenty of fluids. A fair trade against weeks of shingles and the risk of long-term nerve pain, we reckon.
Bonus round: The dementia connection
This is what tipped it over the line for us. A major study published last year found that people who received the shingles vaccine were around 20% less likely to develop dementia over the following seven years. Researchers are still working out exactly why, but a vaccine that prevents a horrible disease AND may protect your brain? That's a worthy champion.
How to get it
Aged 65? You're eligible for a funded course — that means free!
Aged 50 or over? Our vaccinating pharmacists can give you Shingrix without a prescription. The cost is $340 per shot, and a full course is two shots (given two to six months apart).
Another totally underrated part - No prescription needed, so simply call us today on 03 477 9793 to organise yours.
More info on our shingles vaccination page on our website : www.roslynpharmacy.co.nz.
Now, back to the football. Vamos España!
Andy and the team at Roslyn Pharmacy - Dunedins Friendliest Pharmacy