Division of Population Health

Call to Action
Monitoring Vaccination Rates for Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a disease that causes a painful skin rash. It
can also lead to severe pain that can last for months or even years after the rash goes
away, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia. Pain from shingles has been
described as excruciating, aching, burning, stabbing, and shock-like. It can cause
depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Shingles
may interfere with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, cooking,
shopping, and travel. To prevent shingles, CDC recommends that people aged 60
years or older receive a onetime vaccination. 27
To date, only national data have been available to monitor the use of the shingles
vaccine. In 2010, 14.4% of adults aged 60 or older reported receiving the vaccine, an
increase from the 10% reported in 2009. 28 Recognizing the need for state and selected
MMSA (metropolitan and micropolitan statistical area) data, CDC created a question
about shingles vaccination for the BRFSS survey. Since 2009, this question has been
available as an optional module that states can use to ask about the receipt of shingles
vaccination among adults aged 50 years or older. Five states used the question in 2009
and six states used it in 2010. 29
Starting in 2014, the shingles vaccination question will be part of the BRFSS “core”
questionnaire that all states use every 3 years. These data will allow states and MMSAs
to monitor trends in vaccination rates and identify disparities. Program planners can
use this information to identify problems so they can adopt corrective strategies.
Indicator 13. Colorectal cancer screening
• This report identifies the percentage of older adults who have been screened for
colorectal cancer by having a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) during the past year, a
flexible sigmoidoscopy within 5 years and FOBT within 3 years, or a colonoscopy
within 10 years.
• Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal
growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so that
they can be removed before they turn into cancer. They can also detect colorectal
cancer early, when treatment works best. 33
• Two-thirds of all new cases of colorectal cancer are in people aged 65 or older. 34
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 PAGE 23