Bartow Health Department To Offer Shingles Vaccine

The Bartow County Health Department now is offering the shingles vaccine Zostavax. The vaccine is given as a one-time dose for the prevention of Herpes Zoster, commonly known as the shingles.

The shingles is a painful, localized skin rash caused by the chicken pox virus (varicella zoster). Anyone who has had the chickenpox can develop shingles. The virus remains in the nerve cells of the body after the chickenpox infection clears and can reappear years later causing shingles. 

Since the majority of older Americans had chickenpox as children, millions of people are vulnerable to shingles.

The Zostavax vaccine is available to the Bartow County Health Department's clients who are 60 years old or older. The CDC currently recommends Zostavax (shingles vaccine) as a single dose for persons age 60 and older, even if they have already had the shingles.

Those with complicated medical conditions, such as cancer, immune system problems (including HIV/AIDS) and tuberculosis, should consult with their doctor before receiving the Zostavax vaccine.

 Bartow County Health Department Nurse Manager Cathy Green said anyone who wants to schedule an appointment for the Zostavax vaccine should call the main health department phone number, 770-382-1920, press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then press 1 to make an appointment.

"Some insurance providers cover all or part of the cost of the Zostavax vaccine," Green said in the release. "After clients submit their insurance information, the health department will provide an estimate of their co-pay for the Zostavax vaccine.”

For questions about the Zostavax vaccine, contact Clinical Coordinator Rachel Christian at 770-607-6283.

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