For a limited time, low-cost shingles vaccines will be available at the Pendleton and Hermiston Public Health Clinics. Those who are eligible for the low cost vaccine must be 60 years and older and either have no insurance or their insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine.
Supplies are extremely limited and it is expected that this vaccine will go quickly.
“I want to encourage those who have not been vaccinated against shingles to call the health department to determine if you qualify for this reduced cost vaccine,” said Sarah William, interim administrator for the Umatilla County Health Department.
The shingles vaccine is available at the Hermiston Public Health Clinic, 435 E. Newport Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. They are also available at the Pendleton Public Health Clinic, 200 S.E. Third St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Shingles is a painful rash that occurs when the virus, that also causes chickenpox, is reactivated in the body. The blistering rash can occur anywhere but is usually located on the face or trunk of the body. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, which means 95% of American adults are at risk for getting this condition.
“Vaccination is a person’s single best measure in preventing a shingles outbreak,” said Williams.
According to data from the Center for Disease Control, there are close to one million new cases of shingles each year in the United States and more than one third of those cases will develop serious complications.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Umatilla County Public Health at (541) 278-5432.
