Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax) to be available for Sharon adults age 50 and up.
Due to continuing demand and manufacturer’s backorder for Shingles vaccine, the Sharon Health Department will be ordering doses of the vaccine for those residents age 50 and up who have a previous diagnosis of chickenpox or have had the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. We will provide this vaccine at our cost (currently $162 per dose) to residents who are willing to pre-pay the full amount. Our manufacturer’s representative has told us that, because of manufacturer back order of the product, it may take up to 4 months until we receive the vaccine after placing the order. We will NOT order any doses of vaccine until we have pre-payment in full.
We are aware that physicians are advising people that this is an important vaccine. We are also aware that many physicians do not have the vaccine in stock — either because of inadequate storage requirements or simply because of the backorder situation.
Also please note that we will NOT bill your insurance company for this vaccine. Once you have paid for your dose we will provide you with a receipt for payment. Then, once you do receive the vaccination we will provide you with proof of vaccination. You may then provide your insurance company with both items for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company FIRST to see if they will reimburse you under these circumstances.
If you are interested in having us order a dose of Zostavax for you, please email Linda Rosen, Health Administrator, at lrosen@townofsharon.org. Or you may call 781-784-1500 X1140. We’ll then make arrangements for you to come in with your pre-payment.
Contraindications for Zostavax:
A person should not get shingles vaccine who:
1. has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic
neomycin, or any other component of shingles vaccine.
2. If you have any severe allergies or have a weakened immune system because
of current:
- AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,;
- Treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as prolonged use of high- dose steroids;
- cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy;
- cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma;
3. is pregnant, or might be pregnant.
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