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Community Corner

Shingles Vaccine

The Wakefield Health Department is offering a limited supply of state supplied shingles vaccine to eligible Wakefield residents, who are uninsured or underinsured, and are 60 years of age or older.

It is estimated that in the United States, one million cases of shingles occur every year. Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful. Blistering skin rash caused by the same virus that cause chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, and most of the population has, the virus can live but remain inactive. If it becomes reactivated, usually in our aging years, it can cause shingles.

The rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2-4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. For some, the severe pain can continue long after the rash is gone. It can last for months, even years.

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The shingles vaccine was licensed in 2006 and prevents shingles in about half of people and decreases one’s chance of getting shingles by 50%. It can also reduce the pain associated with it. Those who have had shingles should also receive the shot to prevent reoccurrence.

Medical eligibility requires that you do not have a weakened immune system as a result of treatment with high dose steroids, cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation, HIV/AIDS, or a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma. You cannot be currently undergoing treatment for shingles or post herpetic neuralgia(residual pain from shingles) or previously received a shingles shot. Also, you cannot have a life threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, or the antibiotic neomycin. We are  requesting a letter from your primary care physician stating you are in good health.

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To find out if you are eligible, please call Karen Cronin, Public Health Nurse, at (781)979-4129. We also still have flu and pneumonia vaccine available by appointment.

 

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