Herkimer County Public Health Office would like to remind the public that it offers the Shingles vaccine as well as other vaccines such as flu or pneumonia.
There is a cost associated with the Shingles vaccine that can be covered under Medicare Part D plans, but the office recommends contacting your insurance provider before you get the vaccine to see if it’s covered.
Doctor’s offices also administer the vaccine.
In some cases the shingles vaccine is not recommended and as always your physician should be consulted if you’re considering the vaccine.
Shingles is a painful skin rash that may appear on one side of the body or face and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.
Shingles is also called Herpes Zoster, and it is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus.
The main symptom is pain and it can be severe. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
Shingles can be more common in seniors or those with weak immune systems.
In clinical trials, the vaccine (Zostavax) reduced the risk of Shingles by 50 percent.
It can also reduce pain in those who still get shingles after being vaccinated.
This information was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information on the Shingles Vaccine and other immunizations go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines, or contact Herkimer Public Health at (315) 867-1176 or the Office For the Aging/NY Connects at 867-1415.
