April 3, 2019
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
St. Charles County, Missouri – Shingles is a painful disease that affects about one-in-three Americans during their lifetime. There is currently a nationwide shortage of the Shingrix vaccination that helps prevent the disease, but the Division of Health Services’ Immunization Clinic has obtained a limited supply of this vaccine that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for those ages 50 and older.
“Shingles affects nearly one million Americans each year. However, vaccination can greatly reduce your risk of contracting this disease,” says Immunization Clinic Manager Theresa Turnbull. “As shingles causes an extremely painful, itchy rash that can last for weeks, months and even years, we appreciate the opportunity to offer this CDC-recommended vaccination in St. Charles County while our supply lasts. Since effective protection does require two doses of Shingrix, we recommend those who want to receive the vaccination make an appointment as soon as possible.”
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox can develop shingles, and the risk for developing the disease increases with age. Along with the rash that typically develops on one side of the body, symptoms include fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach. In rare cases, the disease can progress into additional complications such as pain that lasts long after the rash clears, blindness, hearing problems, pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.
Two doses of Shingrix, separated by two-to-six months between visits, are required to maximize protection. Medical studies have shown that the two doses were 97 percent effective against the virus for those 50-69 and 91 percent effective for those 70 and older. The protection provided remains above 85 percent for at least four years after receiving the second dose of the vaccination.
The Shingrix vaccination costs $155 per dose—payable by cash, check or credit card (includes a service fee). For those with private insurance, the Immunization Clinic can bill providers, although the clinic may be considered out-of-network.
Located at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles, the Immunization Clinic provides Shingrix and other recommended vaccinations on an appointment basis for patients, regardless of residency. Appointments are available from 8:30 to 10:50 a.m. and 1:10 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For information or to schedule an appointment, please call 636-949-1857.
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About the St. Charles County Division of Health Services
The Division of Health Services promotes healthy choices and improves the health of St. Charles County. To achieve these goals, program services include an Immunization Clinic for children and adults; nutrition education and supplemental food services for women, infants and children; chronic disease screening and prevention; communicable disease reporting and investigation; the collection and distribution of birth and death records; assistance in U.S. passport applications; traveler health services and more. For information on programs offered, visit sccmo.org/HealthServices or call 636-949-7400.
About the St. Charles County Department of Public Health
Through the efforts of its three divisions — Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services — the St. Charles County Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services that enhance the well-being of the community. To learn how the department assists this region or to find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the divisions, visit sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400.
About St. Charles County
Founded in 1812, St. Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri, and the state’s third largest county in both population and economic share. It is home to 15 scenic county parks, encompassing more than 3,643 acres with additional land under development and more in reserve for future development.
With a population of 395,504, St. Charles County is home to large employers including General Motors, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide and Boeing. It is ranked among the top 25 counties in the nation in high-tech job growth by the Progressive Policy Institute and consistently has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metropolitan St. Louis area.
St. Charles County employs more than 1,100 in more than 30 departments and offices, who work to make the county an excellent place to live, work and shop. For more information, please visit sccmo.org.