Shortage of Shingles Vaccine Causing Concern for Patients, Healthcare Officials and Lawmakers
If you've ever had shingles or know someone who does, you know how painful it can be. Now, thousands of people aren't able to get the vaccine due to a shortage that's affecting supplies in our area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported high demand and delays in getting Shingrix, the vaccine made by GlaxoSmithKlein. "Chickenpox can stay dormant basically for the rest of your life. If you have a period where your immune system isn't functioning as well, you're stressed or not sleeping, or you're pregnant… the virus can reactivate and cause shingles," said Michelle Lin, MD, MPH, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The CDC blames manufacturing delays and high levels of demand for the shortage of the new vaccine, prompting Senator Schumer to call for action.
— Michelle Lin, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai