Seems to be a very sensible option for older people, especially older and vulnerable people. My Nan had shingles in her 60's she said it was the most painful condition she'd ever endured; "worse than childbirth" were her words. I don't know exactly how painful childbirth is as I've never done it, but she was no sissy so if she said it was painful I'm pretty sure it was excruciating, or her case of shingles was at least.