Starting January 16, the Wayland Health Department will be offering Shingles Vaccine to Wayland Residents Age 60 and Older with NO out of pocket expense. For those interested in setting up an appointment to receive this vaccination or have questions, please contact the Wayland Public Health Nurse at 508-358-3617.
Some information about Shingles and Shingles Vaccinations:
What is Shingles? Herpes zoster, also known as zoster and shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). Primary infection with VZV causes varicella, and once the illness resolves, the virus remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia. VZV can reactive later in a person’s life and cause a painful, maculopapular rash called herpes zoster (shingles).
Protect Yourself with a Shingles Vaccination: Almost 1 out of 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. And, older people are at a greater risk for developing shingles. The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles is to get vaccinated.
The shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in 2006 to reduce the risk of shingles and its associated pain in people age 60 years and older.
Your risk for developing shingles increases as you age. The Shingles Prevention Study involved individuals age 60 years and older and found the shingles vaccine significantly reduced disease in this age group. The vaccine is currently recommended for persons 60 years of age and older. Even people who have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.
For more information regarding shingles vaccination please reference the attached link to the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccination.html
Ruth Mori RN, Public Health Nurse/Nurse Leader
Town of Wayland
