Wellesley Health Department Urges Seniors to Get Shingles Vaccine

The Wellesley Health Department is urging people age 60 or older to get a shingles vaccine, which will be made available through the department following a phone screen.

Those who want the vaccine should call this special health department line: 781-283-5730 and leave their name, address and phone number. The department will generate a list, once there are enough people, the vaccines will be ordered and the department will contact those who left their information with dates and times.

A prescription is required to receive the vaccine, according to the department. There will be a $25 fee to receive the vaccine.

Here is the full text of the Wellesley Health Department’s note to the public:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that people age 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, or herpes zoster, a condition often marked by debilitating chronic pain. Shingles is characterized by clusters of blisters that develop on one side of the body.  These blisters can cause severe pain. About one in three older adults will develop shingles.

More about Shingles:

The virus that causes the common childhood disease chickenpox is called Varicella Zoster Virus. This virus infects more than 95 percent of people during their lifetime. After it runs its course, the virus becomes dormant within the nerves. Years or decades later, the virus may be reactivated and can cause shingles. The risk of shingles is greatest in the elderly and those who have compromised immune systems. To prevent the virus from reactivating, the CDC recommends a single dose of the vaccine Zostavax.

Shingles Vaccine Available to Wellesley Residents 60 and Older

Wellesley Health Department will be offering the shingles vaccine to Wellesley residents 60 and older at clinics (at the Health Department) in the near future. You MUST have a prescription for the shingles vaccine from your primary care physician or healthcare provider.  There will be a $25 fee.

If interested, please call the Health Department’s special shingles line 781.283.5730 and leave a voicemail with your name, address and telephone number. A postcard will be mailed to you with the clinic date and time.