(Mason City) ó The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health received 30 doses of Zostavax, a vaccine that prevents shingles this week. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends people 60 years of age or older receive the vaccine to reduce the risk of shingles and its associated pain.
Shingles, also called herpes zoster or zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), 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.
Shingles usually starts as a rash on one side of the face or body. The rash starts as blisters that scab after three to five 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. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
There have been challenges in obtaining the shingles vaccine since May 2010. “We keep a waiting list of people seeking the vaccine and when our shipment comes in, we call the individuals in for administration of the vaccine,” says Karen Crimmings, Disease Prevention and Investigation Specialist. “Fortunately, we have received enough doses in this shipment, so we can offer the vaccine to others that are not on the waiting list.”
The cost of the vaccine is $175. However, anyone who is covered under Medicare Part D may have partial or full coverage for the cost of the vaccine. The Health Department will bill Medicare directly for the cost of the vaccine and only co-pays will be due at the time of service. Adults may also be eligible to receive the vaccine free (with a $12 administration fee) through the Vaccine Assistance Program if they are a resident of the United States and have no health insurance or have insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccine services.
Anyone who wishes to receive the shingles vaccine should contact the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health at (641) 421-9321.
For more information, visit our website at www.cghealth.com. Click on “Diseases A-Z” where you will find shingles in alphabetical order.|
