Free Shingrix Shingles Shots for Qualifying Seniors in Missouri

Varicella Zoster Virus has infected most seniors and around 30% will develop shingles
(Precision Vaccinations News)

Beginning in April 2018, two grants are supporting the delivery of free shingles vaccinations for qualifying seniors in rural Missouri.

According to local reporting, these grants will cover the cost of vaccine copays and deductibles for those that cannot afford otherwise.

But, time is of the essence, as these free shingles vaccinations may only be available until the funding is depleted.

Both of these grants are focused on Shingrix, which is a newly approved shingles vaccine which has been proven to be 90 percent effective in clinical studies.

Recently, a research study answered the question ‘why is this new Shingles vaccine 90 percent effective for all age groups.

The Dallas County Health Department has been awarded a grant from the Dallas County Senior Tax Board for the new shingles vaccine Shingrix.

Additionally, due to receiving a grant from the Webster County Senior Citizens’ Services Fund and matching funds by the Webster County Health Unit, free Shingrix shingles vaccine will be available for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

These vaccination programs have similar qualifications, such as:

  • Proof of being a local resident,
  • Over 60 years of age,
  • Provide insurance information including Medicare Part D coverage, or proof of under-insurance that do not cover the shingles vaccine, and
  • Residents must make an appointment after being approved for the vaccine.

For more information about these grant programs:

In Webster County, for those who meet the above eligibility criteria and desire to receive the Shingrix vaccine, you may come to the Webster County Health Unit, 233 E. Washington, Marshfield, between the hours of 7:30-11:30 am or 1-4 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the Webster County Health Unit at 859-2532 with any questions.

In Dallas County, residents are not required to make an appointment (417-345-2332) but it is best to call.  Immunizations are offered 8:30 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 4:00 pm, when a nurse is available.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.

More than 99 percent of those over 50 years old are infected with VZV and, it is estimated that around one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Additionally, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), occurs in up to 30 percent of all shingles cases.

Shingrix, produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a non-live, recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine given intramuscularly in two doses.

Shingrix is the first approved shingles vaccine to combine a non-live antigen, to trigger a targeted immune response, with a specifically designed adjuvant to generate a strong and sustained immune response.

This vaccine combines an antigen, glycoprotein E, and an adjuvant system, AS01B, intended to generate a strong and long-lasting immune response that can help overcome the decline in immunity that occurs as people age.

Safety information for Shingrix includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • You should not receive Shingrix if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix.
  • The most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach.
  • Vaccination with Shingrix may not protect all individuals.
  • Shingrix is not indicated for the prevention of chickenpox.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides current vaccine information.

Vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

 

Our Trust Standards: Medical Advisory Committee

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