Together We Can Combat Shingles

for your patients:

vaccination q&a

We recently added a new feature to our website - an Ask the Expert page featuring immunization-related questions and answers.

The information aims to arm patients with facts when it comes to the immunizations they need to stay healthy. It also includes a simple form they can submit to suggest additional questions for the page.

shingles vaccine rates remain low:

infection rates continue to climb

One out of every three people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime. According to an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), fewer than 4 in 10 Americans age 65 and older received the shingles vaccine in 2015. Of that group, 38.9% were women and 36.6% were men.

Two vaccines are licensed and recommended to prevent shingles in the U.S. The zoster vaccine live (ZVL, Zostavax) has been in use since 2006. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix), has been in use since 2017 and is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as t he preferred shingles vaccine.

Remember, your strong recommendation matters.

shingrix demand exceeds supply: these Guidelines can help

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the unprecedented demand for Shingrix has resulted in ordering limits and shipping delays. Until the demand can be met, the following clinical guidelines are recommended.

Implement a vaccine reminder and recall system using phone, e-mail or text messages to contact patients when you have Shingrix supply. Give first consideration to patients due for their second dose of Shingrix.
If you are out of Shingrix and a patient needs a second dose, refer the patient to another provider in the community (e.g., a pharmacy) that has Shingrix so the patient can complete the series. The immunization program at your state or local health department or vaccine finder can help identify other immunization providers.
Enter your patients' current vaccination information into your state's immunization information system (IIS). This will ensure that every provider can access your patients' immunization record, and it may help facilitate patient reminders to complete the Shingrix series.
As supply becomes less constrained, notify eligible patients so they can come in to get their first dose of Shingrix.

looking for shingles resources?

We've got you covered

Need a poster or flyer to prompt your patients to ask about the zoster vaccine? We have what you need.

Our free, downloadable 8.5" x 11" flyer explains who is at risk for shingles and how to prevent it. Print your copy today for display in waiting rooms and hallways.

Eye Complications of Shingles Climb Sharply

According to Kellogg Eye Center research, the number of herpes zoster opthalmicus rose dramatically over a 12-year period.

Read the full report here.

Louisiana: Melinda Jones - 318.235.3174

New Jersey: Diana Haniak - 732.238.5570, ext. 2068

Pennsylvania: Suzanne Fritz - 877.346.6180, ext. 7836

West Virginia: Brenda Tincher - 304.346.9864, ext. 3261

Visit us online at www.QualityInsights-QIN.org

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, the Medicare Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Louisiana under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. Publication number QI-F1-080719