Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Perth County - The Perth District Health Unit will be hosting a shingles vaccine clinic on the afternoon of Thursday, July 11, by appointment. The shingles vaccine is for people who are 50 years of age and older. The vaccine helps prevent a person from getting shingles. The vaccine can be given to someone who has already had shingles. The clinic is for Perth County residents only.

What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and is called Varicella Zoster. About 30% of people who have had chickenpox are at risk of at least one episode of shingles in their lifetime.

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can last for several weeks and may cause skin infections and scarring. It is possible to get shingles more than once and to get shingles even after having the shingles vaccine. However, the vaccine will reduce how severe the pain will be and the length of time of having the illness.

The shingles vaccine is a one-time vaccine and costs approximately $170. Private health benefits may cover some or all of the costs of the vaccine.

For more information or to book an appointment, please call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267. Visit www.pdhu.on.ca