Hayden's Pharmacy

Family Owned and Serving the Youngwood and Surrounding Areas Since 1992

The Importance of the Shingles Vaccine

What is ZOSTAVAX and how does it work?

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years ofage or older to prevent shingles (also knownas zoster).
ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).
ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting shingles. If you do get shingles even though you have been vaccinated, ZOSTAVAX may help prevent the nerve pain that can follow shingles in some people.
ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat shingles once you have it.

What do I need to know about shingles and the virus that causes it?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become active again and give you shingles. Age and problems with the immune system may increase your chances of getting shingles.
Shingles is a rash that is usually on one side of the body. The rash begins as a cluster of small red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes usually last up to 30 days and, for most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.

Who should not get ZOSTAVAX?

You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you:
  • are allergic to any of its ingredients.
  • are allergic to gelatin or neomycin.
  • have a weakened immune system (for example, an immune deficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS).
  • take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth.
  • are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
You should not get ZOSTAVAX to prevent chickenpox.
Children should not get ZOSTAVAX.

How is ZOSTAVAX given?

ZOSTAVAX is given as a single dose by injection under the skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before I get ZOSTAVAX

You should tell your health care provider if you:
  • have or have had any medical problems.
  • take any medicines, including non-prescription medicines, and dietary supplements.
  • have any allergies, including allergies to neomycin or gelatin.
  • had an allergic reaction to another vaccine.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • •are breast-feeding.
Tell your health care provider if you expect to be in close contact (including household contact) with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system. Your health care provider can tell you what situations you may need to avoid.

What are the possible side effects of ZOSTAVAX?

The most common side effects that people in the clinical studies reported after receiving the vaccine include:
  • redness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth, or bruising where the shot was given.
  • headache.
The following additional side effects have been reported in general use with ZOSTAVAX:
  • allergic reactions, which may be serious and may include difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away.
  • fever
  • rash
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive ZOSTAVAX.

What are the ingredients of ZOSTAVAX?

Active Ingredient: a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus.
Inactive Ingredients: sucrose, hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate, sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium chloride.

What else should I know about ZOSTAVAX?

Vaccinees and their health care providers are encouraged to call (800) 986-8999 to report any exposure to ZOSTAVAX during pregnancy.
This leaflet summarizes important information about ZOSTAVAX.
If you would like more information, talk to your health care provider or visit the website at www.ZOSTAVAX.com or call 1-800-622-4477.

Schedule Now

Step 1: Obtain a prescription from your doctor.
Discuss the Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax®) with your primary care physician. Your physician must write a prescription or call a prescription into the pharmacy in order for patients to receive the vaccine. Most Medicare Part D prescription insurance companies will pay for the vaccine and only require the patients to pay their prescription co-pay. Physicians can call the Zostavax® vaccine prescription into Hayden’s Pharmacy at 724-925-1400.

 

Step 2: Schedule your shingles vaccine appointment.
Choose from the available times listed on the clinic schedule.

Mondays – 9pm – 5pm
Wednesdays – 9am – 5pm
Fridays – 9am – 5pm
*Appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes.

 

Step 3:
Complete the information form below.

Shingles Appointment

Note: Your appointment time may be adjusted within the hour requested due to scheduling availability. Our scheduling department will email your confirmation letter and appointment information within 24 hours.