March 3, 2008

Shingles Vaccine Now Available at Public Health

Shingles, also called herpes zoster or zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the
re-activation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. Usually the virus does not cause any problems; however, the virus can reappear years later, causing shingles. Herpes zoster is not caused by the same virus that causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease.

There are about 1 million cases of shingles in the U.S. each year, with between 12,000 and 19,000 people hospitalized.

Shingles, most common in people 50 and older, usually starts as a rash on one side of the face or body. The rash starts as blisters that scab after seven to 10 days. The rash usually clears within two to four weeks.

Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. Shingles causes pain in 98 % of patients. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach.

Public Health Nurse Shirley Stephen, RN, had a mild case of shingles last year. “I never realized that symptoms could also include fever, headache, chills and nausea. I experienced those symptoms and it was awful. I feel fortunate that I did not have a severe case of sores. I would encourage everyone age 60 and older to get the shingles vaccine.”

Cost: $170. Anyone who is covered under Medicare Part D should bring their card(s) to the clinic. Health department staff will assist in completing appropriate Medicare Part D reimbursement options. Appropriate co-payments will be determined for eligible clients. Co-pay will be due at the time of vaccination.

The vaccine is recommended for people age 60 and older, even if they have had shingles in the past. This is a one-time vaccine. Anyone who wishes to receive the shingles vaccine may come to the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health at 22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300. Appointments are not required.

Clinic hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM to Noon and 12:30-4:00 PM.

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