News: Long County Health Department Offers Shingles Vaccine at Reduced Price for Those 60 and Older Who Qualify
March 3, 2010 - The Long County Health Department is now providing the shingles vaccine, also known as ZOSTAVAX®, for a nominal fee to those who meet certain criteria.
To qualify for the vaccine, men and women must be 60 or older and meet one of the following criteria:
• Have Medicaid
• Be Medicare eligible with no other vaccine coverage
• Have health insurance that does not cover the cost of ZOSTAVAX or,
• Have no health insurance
Shingles is a burning rash that is caused by 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. The risk for getting shingles is higher in those over the age of 60.
A small administrative fee of $14 will be charged for each dose. Normal cost of the vaccine is approximately $200 per dose.
"Shingles can be a very painful disease that can sometimes cause long-term health problems," said Kathy Rowell, Long County Health Department Nurse Manager. "By offering the shingles vaccine for small fee, we hope to protect as many of our senior adults as possible."
ZOSTAVAX is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for those over the age of 60 and has been licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/news/long_county_health_department.php