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The newest shingles vaccine is in high demand, causing shortages in most of the United States. In Tri-Cities, finding the vaccine is risky, but mostly missed.
The popular vaccine, Shingrix, was released in February after being approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – and the demand exploded.
The Herald checked with several Tri-City pharmacies and all reported a limited supply or waiting list. And when pharmacies get a bit of Shingrix, it's gone quickly.
"I have not been able to order it for a few weeks," said pharmacist Amanda Itai at West Court Street Walgreens in Pasco.
Itai stated that the order problems stem from the fact that the manufacturer did not have enough supply for the public.
In the United States, at least one million people contract shingles, a painful and often debilitating rash, often with blisters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline distributes Shingrix in the United States and around the world. Shingrix sales are now expected to reach nearly $ 800 million by the end of 2018. According to the company.
"We keep trying to get it," said Itai. "They predict that it will be more readily available by the end of August."
GlaxoSmithKline will continue to provide some of the vaccine, but shortages are expected to continue until 2019.
"I think the company has" Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash which can lead to long-term nerve pain.It is more common in the elderly.It is estimated that one million people suffer from shingles each year in the United States, according to the CDC.
The person said the vaccine was in high demand because shingles were so painful and often debilitating
FILE – In this January 12, 2018, a file photo, a medical assistant in a community health center gives a shot to a patient in Seattle
Ted S. Warren, file AP Photo [19659009] Shingrix is administered in two doses, the second being administered two to six months after the first.
After vaccination, Shingrix is effective at about 97 percent for the 50 to 69 year old who received two doses, said the person. Shingrix is preferred to Zostavax, the other leading vaccine, which is effective at around 50 percent, she said.
The CDC and most doctors encourage patients who have received the Zostavax vaccine to also get Shingrix.
Age is another factor for the new vaccine, the CDC recommends adults aged 50 and over to get the Shingrix vaccine.
No one encouraged people who want the vaccine to continue to check with pharmacies.
"There was always a market for this and now it's available, everyone wants it," she said.
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