MEDIA RELEASE
March 8, 2012
Kiwis get rare opportunity to help protect against shingles
New Zealanders will soon have access to a limited supply of a vaccine to help protect against shingles, despite a global
shortage of the vaccine.
Shingles is a painful, unsightly viral infection that affects up to 1 in 3 people during their lives. It is difficult to
treat, and in severe cases can cause a pain syndrome that may persist for months or even years.
New Zealand has, however, been fortunate to receive a limited quantity of the shingles vaccine, ZOSTAVAX®. The supplier,
MSD, points out that once this supply is used up it may be up to two years before another shipment arrives in the
country.
Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk of contracting shingles, and risk and severity of this viral disease
increases with age.
"Most GPs will have experienced the challenge of trying to help a patient cope with this debilitating condition. It is
difficult to treat the pain effectively and coping with shingles can severely inhibit a patient's normal lifestyle and
activities,” comments Maureen Dawson, manager, Vaccines, MSD (Merck, Sharp and Dohme New Zealand Ltd).
People aged 50+ are advised to contact their GPs to enquire about this vaccine – ZOSTAVAX is a prescription medicine,
which will cost the patient around $200 per dose. Only one dose is needed.
Like all medicines there are risks and benefits of this vaccination and not everyone who is vaccinated will be protected
against shingles. However, if a vaccinated person does contract shingles, the vaccine can help prevent post herpetic
neuralgia (PHN), the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow shingles. ZOSTAVAX can also reduce the intensity and length
of time pain from shingles will last. More information can be found at www.shingles.co.nz .
Vaccine supply is expected to arrive in late March, however advance orders are being accepted now, so people over 50 who
would like to avoid the pain of shingles should talk to their doctors soon to discuss if this vaccine is appropriate for
them.
* ZOSTAVAX® Zoster Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)
ENDS
This information is supported by the following references: ZOSTAVAX Data Sheet, Oxman MN. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge,
University press; 2000:246–275. ZOSTAVAX Patient Information
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE USING ZOSTAVAX (zoster vaccine, live) 0.65 mL vial for injection: ZOSTAVAX is indicated for immunisation of individuals 50 years of age or older for the prevention of herpes zoster
(shingles), the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and the reduction of acute and chronic zoster-associated
pain. ZOSTAVAX should not be given to patients who: have a hypersensitivity reaction or are allergic to gelatin or
neomycin; have a blood disorder or low immunity, have untreated tuberculosis; are receiving immunosuppressive therapy;
have a fever; are or may potentially be pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months following vaccination.
ZOSTAVAX is not recommended for children or for nursing mothers. Common side effects are: headache and localised
injection site reactions. ZOSTAVAX is a private purchase prescription only medicine that the patient will need to pay
for. Price may vary across different surgeries.
Consult your doctor to see if ZOSTAVAX is right for you, a normal doctors visit fee will usually apply. If you have side
effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Marketed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland. For detailed prescribing information, consult the consumer medicine
information phone 0800 500 673 or refer to the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz. [MPI-ZST-1] Registered Trademark of
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. VACC-1016005-0011 First issued March 1 2012 TAPS CH3188
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What is Shingles & PHN?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After your chickenpox blisters heal, the virus that caused
them stays in your body in nerve cells. The virus may be there for many years and not cause a problem. Sometimes,
though, it becomes active again. If this happens it can cause a blistering and painful rash, usually appearing on one
side of your body in a specific area.
This is a sign that the virus that has been dormant in the nerve cells has reactivated
and travelled from the nerves and followed a path out to the skin. Because the nerves along the path become inflamed,
shingles can be painful. Pain that lasts for months after the blisters have healed is called post herpetic neuralgia
(PHN).
Patients have described PHN as burning, throbbing, stabbing, shooting and/or sharp pain. For some people this pain can
be severe and long lasting.
Who is at risk of shingles & PHN?
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime and that by 85 years of age, 50% of
individuals will have experienced an episode of shingles. Anyone who has ever contracted chickenpox (varicella) can
experience shingles, however over two-thirds of cases occur over the age of 50, and the frequency and severity of
complications increase markedly with age.
As with shingles the risk of PHN also increases with age. It is estimated that around
40,000-80,000 patients are suffering from PHN in Australia and New Zealand.
Who is ZOSTAVAX indicated for?
In adults 50 years of age or older, ZOSTAVAX is indicated for:
• Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles).
• Prevention of Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN).
• Reduction of acute and chronic shingles-associated pain.
About Merck
Merck & Co., Inc., which operates in many countries as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in
1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines in more than 20 therapeutic categories.
The company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate
Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a
not-for-profit service. For more information, visit www.merck.com.