At-risk people need shingles vaccine

If you are 60 or older or if you have ever had chickenpox, the McHenry County Department of Health recommends you make an appointment at the shingles vaccine clinic from 8 to 11 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St.

In the U.S., more than 1 million people a year experience shingles, a very painful skin rash often accompanied by blisters that appear on one side of the body and can last from two to four weeks.

It is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is more commonly found in people ages 50 and older who have already had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.

Symptoms include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. In rare instances, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death.

The Center for Disease Control recommends a single dose of the vaccine for adults ages 60 and older to help prevent shingles and reduce the pain associated with the virus.

Even if you've had shingles before, MCDH encourages you to get the vaccine. Shingles is not contagious, though a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine could get chickenpox from someone with shingles.

A person with shingles blisters should avoid contact with anyone with a weak immune system, newborns and pregnant women.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the MCDH clinic at (815) 334-4500. The cost is $190; cash or check accepted. Medicaid will be billed.

As with any vaccine, people with special health considerations should contact their physician before getting the shingles vaccine.

For more information, call MCDH or visit www.mcdh.info.