Now you can get a shingles vaccine at a Rockford Walgreens.

June 19th, 2008 at 05:28pm Deborah Austin

The Take Care Health Clinics in Walgreens stores nationwide — including the one at 3336 11th St. in Rockford — have started offering shingles vaccinations. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, and remains dormant in the central nerves of your system if you’ve ever had the disease even years ago. The virus can become active later in life, causing a painful rash or tingling and burning of the skin.

 In fact shingles is much more common in adults over the age of 50 than with younger people. Age, stress, and immune system problems can increase your chances of developing shingles.   (I know. I had shingles myself a few years ago.  I didn’t get a huge rash, just a few spots, but boy did it hurt.)

At Take Care Health Clinics, the shingles vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D for those who qualify. It also may be covered by your pharmacy benefit, but coverage depends on your individual health plan. For uninsured patients or self payers the vaccination costs $219.99. The clinics are open seven days a week, and do not require appointments.

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