County Protects Seniors from Shingles

CREST HAVEN — The Cape May County Department of Health has vaccinated 14 County residents against shingles since the beginning of its pilot program in January.
Freeholder Gerald Thornton encourages more seniors to find out about the shingles vaccination program, saying that, “we’re hoping to provide a service to residents who are unable to obtain the shingles vaccine so that they won’t need to go through this potentially debilitating illness.”
According to a release, the Department of Health has developed a brochure on the shingles vaccination program that is now available at the Department of Health and online at www.cmchealth.net. “Over the next few months,” Thornton added, “residents should be able to find the brochure at various public outlets, including senior centers and county libraries.”
Health Officer Kevin Thomas explained, “There are many reasons why residents can’t get this vaccine at their doctor’s office. It is difficult to store and transport safely, and it is costly. There are over 26,000 residents over 60 years old in Cape May County that could potentially benefit from receiving the shingles vaccine.”
The shingles vaccination program will operate by appointment only and will require that the patient obtain prior clearance from their physician to receive the vaccine. “When a patient contacts the Department of Health, we will mail the patient a vaccination screening/consent form which should be completed with the patient’s physician,” commented Health Officer Kevin Thomas. The vaccine will be offered to residents for $175. Residents must pay for the vaccine out of pocket, and if eligible, submit the cost for reimbursement to their insurance carrier (i.e. Medicare Part D). “Residents are encouraged to contact their insurer in advance to determine whether the vaccine is covered,” added Thomas. For persons experiencing financial hardship, Merck’s Vaccine Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide the vaccine at no cost to the patient. Residents may call the Department of Health at 465-1200 to schedule an appointment for vaccination.
A single dose of zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years of age and older, whether or not the patient reported a prior episode of shingles. Shingles is a localized, generally painful rash that occurs most frequently among older adults and immunocompromised persons. It is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Approximately one in three persons will develop shingles during their lifetime. A common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic, often debilitating pain condition that can last months or even years. The pain can disrupt sleep, mood, work, and activities of daily living, adversely impacting the quality of life and leading to social withdrawal and depression. Another complication of zoster is eye involvement (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), which can result in prolonged or permanent pain, facial scarring, and loss of vision.
Certain people should not receive the shingles vaccine. Residents concerned about shingles are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their physician.
For additional information call the Cape May County Department of Health at 465-1200.