Boosting Immunization Rates for Adult Shingles

A vaccine for adult shingles was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is in use today. Perversely, recent data shows that delivery of the adult Shingles vaccine has been a challenge. This includes delivery to older populations, on whom the Shingles virus typically realizes its greatest impact. With Baby Boomers nearing the age of greatest risk, how can physicians and other medical professionals improve their dialogue with patients about this vaccine? Host Dr. Mark Nolan Hill examines strategies to improve immunization rates for adult Shingles with Dr. Michael Oxman, professor of medicine and pathology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and Dr. William Schaffner, professor and chair of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.