Barmer points to massive vaccination gaps among older people in Saxony. Around 77 percent of eligible people are not or incompletely vaccinated against herpes zoster (shingles), the health insurance company announced on the basis of a survey of its own policyholders. This affects more than one million people aged 60 and over, although the vaccination has been covered by health insurance since May 2019.
Often severe courses and complications
"The herpes zoster vaccination significantly reduces the risk of shingles. However, the current vaccination rate is absolutely inadequate. In view of the often severe courses and complications, the rate is too low," said Barmer regional managing director Monika Welfens. Insured persons are entitled to the vaccination and should receive it. The risk of contracting the disease is reduced by 64 percent with full vaccination.
Shingles is a skin rash, usually in the form of stripes with blisters, which is often very painful. It is triggered by the same viruses that cause chickenpox (varicella) - the so-called varicella zoster viruses. The medical name herpes zoster is also derived from them. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can later develop shingles. In the event of complications, sufferers can even go blind or experience excruciating nerve pain.
