Residents of the emblematic Retiro dos Artistas, located in Pechincha, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, received the second dose of the new vaccine against the virus that causes Herpes Zoster, an infection of particular concern for the elderly population.
Photo: Disclosure / DINO
Currently, the Retiro dos Artistas is home to 52 residents, including notable figures such as actors Paulo Cesar Pereio, Jaime Leibovitch, who recently participated in the soap opera “Cara e Coragem” (Rede Globo), Rui Resende, known for his role in “Roque Santeiro” (Rede Globo), and the former participant of “Escolinha do Professor Raimundo”, Fernando Wellington. The institution is chaired by actor Stepan Nercessian and has actress Zezé Motta as vice-president.
“This was a very successful campaign. Herpes zoster is a very painful disease and, therefore, vaccination is extremely important. I believe that everyone who can should support not only this, but every vaccination campaign”, highlighted Jaime Leibovitch .
“Herpes Zoster is characterized by painful rashes that usually appear in the form of a band or belt on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same one responsible for chickenpox, which remains latent in the body for decades after the first infection, which can reactivate as Herpes Zoster”, explains clinical pathologist Helio Magarinos Torres Filho, director of Richet Medicina & Diagnóstico. Although the lesions disappear in about two weeks in most cases, according to Magarinos, up to 5% of patients can develop Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, a chronic nerve pain.
Cultural producer Rita Maia also emphasized that preventing the disease, whenever possible, is essential. “The vaccine has a huge benefit. We have to take precautions, avoid getting sick, so that nothing goes wrong,” she said.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one million cases of Herpes Zoster occur annually, with an incidence of 4 cases per thousand inhabitants. This incidence increases to approximately 1 case per 100 inhabitants after the age of 60. The global incidence varies from 3 to 5 cases per thousand inhabitants in the general population and reaches 10.9 cases per thousand people per year in individuals aged 50 years and over.
The new vaccine against Herpes Zoster, which recently arrived in Brazil, is 90% effective in preventing the disease. The vaccination schedule includes two doses, administered at an interval of 2 to 6 months and, in addition to protection against infection, the vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the incidence of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, a painful complication that can develop after an episode of Herpes Zoster.
“This vaccine uses an innovative approach, using just one particle of the virus associated with a substance that increases the body’s immune response”, highlights Patrícia Rosa Vanderborght, PhD in Molecular Biology/Human Genetics from Fiocruz/RJ and responsible for the Immunization sector of the Richet Vacina, immunization clinic at Richet Medicina & Diagnóstico, responsible for the action at the Artists’ Retreat.
According to the expert, compared to the previous vaccine, which offered around 60% protection, the new one demonstrated an efficacy rate of over 90%.
The new vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 or over and for immunosuppressed adults over 18, and can be administered even to those who have already completed the vaccination schedule with the predecessor vaccine.
In the case of individuals who have already had the disease, according to Vanderborght, it is advisable to pay attention to the recommended period between the acute episode and vaccination. “Even those who have already had the disease can take it. In this case, it is recommended to wait an interval of 6 months between the acute condition and administration of the vaccine”, highlights Patrícia Rosa Vanderborght.
Website: http://www.semprecuidando.com.br
This is commercial content published by the company Dino and is not the responsibility of Terra
