Health Center Sponsoring “Wear Red” Photo Challenge

Livingston County Health Center hopes to raise awareness about Women’s Heart Health by sponsoring a “Wear Red” Photo Challenge this Friday, February 5^th.

“Wear Red” day is an event created by the American Heart Association to increase women’s awareness about their risk of heart disease and stroke, and educate about ways to lower that risk.  Heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women, more than all cancers combined.

To participate in the Health Center challenge, individuals or groups just need to wear red this Friday, February 5^th, take a photo and then post to the Health Center’s Facebook Page at: LivingstonCounty HealthCenter.    When posting, identify everyone in the photo so each individual can be entered into a drawing for a Go Red Gift Basket or free blood draw.   Watch the Facebook page throughout the week for more information about lowering the risk of heart disease.

For more information about the challenge, call 646-5506.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

County Residents 60 and Older Can Benefit from Cost-Sharing

Thanks to a grant from the County Senior Citizen Tax Fund, Livingston County Health Center is now offering Shingles vaccination at a reduced cost to county residents 60 and older with no insurance or a co-pay through.   The Health Center also pays a portion of the cost to make the shot $100 or less.  Residents can get vaccinated through their Tuesday Walk-In Clinics, held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash, caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Nearly 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Anyone who has had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine in the past may develop shingles. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of getting the disease increases as you get older. About half of all cases occur in men and women who are 60 years old or older.

The vaccinations will be given through the Health Center’s regular Tuesday Walk-In Clinic from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.  Those interested in getting vaccinated should bring their insurance card so health center staff can determine the individual’s lowest possible cost.

All services of the health center are provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Show Me Health - Shingles

Shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash. It is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Nearly 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Anyone who has had chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine in the past may develop shingles. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of getting the disease increases as you get older. About half of all cases occur in men and women who are 60 years old or older.

Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.

Before the rash develops, people often have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This may happen anywhere from 1 to 5 days before the rash appears.

Most commonly, the rash occurs in a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. In other cases, the rash occurs on one side of the face. In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread and look similar to a chickenpox rash. Shingles can affect the eye and cause loss of vision.  Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.

Some people are have a greater risk of getting shingles. This include people who have medical conditions that keep their immune systems from working properly, such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and people who receive immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs that given after organ transplantation.

People who develop shingles typically have only one episode in their lifetime. However, a person can have a second or even a third episode.

Shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) reduces the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) caused shingles. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends shingles vaccine for people aged 60 years and older. Even people who have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

Livingston County Health Center offers shingles vaccinations for adults through our Tuesday Walk-In Clinic.  Some insurance companies pay all or most of the cost of the shot, others pay nothing.  If you have insurance, bring your card so we can determine the lowest possible cost.

The Health Center was awarded a grant through the Senior Citizen Tax Fund, to offset part of the cost to receive a shingles vaccination at age 60 or older.  The funds are intended for Livingston County residents who are uninsured or who have insurance with a co-pay.   LCHC also pays for a portion of the vaccine, making the final cost of the shot $100.   

Vaccinations will be given through our Tuesday Walk-In clinic beginning February 2^nd.  County residents may come in from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get vaccinated. 

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Source: CDC

Show Me Health - Adult Vaccinations

What Vaccines are Right for Me?

Most of us think getting vaccinations is only for young children.  Not so, even as adults, it is just as important to get vaccinated.  You may ask, “What vaccines are right for me?”  Here is a little question and answer that may help you decide.

I just graduated high school and am now ready for college.  Do I need any vaccinations? 

Along with your childhood vaccinations, you will need at least one Meningitis vaccination after age 16.  If you are attending school for a degree in a health care field, you will also need a Hepatitis B series and varicella vaccine if you did not receive them as a child.

We are expecting a new baby and I heard there is a vaccine that my family should receive…

All pregnant women in the 3^rd Trimester should receive the Tdap vaccine to help give the baby some passive immunity towards whooping cough.  All caregivers of the baby should also receive a Tdap at least 2 weeks before the baby is born.  One Tdap is sufficient, if you have had the vaccine in the past with other children.  Also, during flu season, a flu shot is recommended for all pregnant women and all household members.

I stepped on a rusty nail and had my last tetanus shot 7 years ago.  Do I need another?

Yes, if it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot you do need another.  If you have never had the Tdap vaccine, you will receive that vaccine as it has both the tetanus and pertussis vaccine.  If you have had a Tdap 7 years ago you will receive a Td.

I just was in a severe accident and had to have my spleen removed.  What vaccines do I need?

You will need the HIB vaccine only once.  A Prevnar13 is recommended, followed by Pneumonia 23 at least 8 weeks later.  There are 2 different Meningitis vaccines that are recommended, one is for meningitis B and is a new vaccine.  You will need a Flu shot every year.

I am a smoker and have chronic lung and heart problems.  Should I get a pneumonia shot? What about the Prevnar 13?

Yes.  You will need the Pneumonia 23.  You will also need a yearly flu shot.  At this time, the Prevnar 13 is not recommended for anyone with chronic health problems under the age of 65.  If you have a immune deficiency, then the Prevnar 13 is recommended.

I am 55 years old and have had shingles.  Can I get a shingles shot?

At this time the shingles vaccine is only recommended for those over the age of 60.  You do need a yearly flu shot.

We are planning a trip to Africa this summer.  What vaccines will I need?

Vaccines for international travel vary depending on where you will go and stay and what you will be doing on your trip.  My best answer is to look at cdc.gov/travel for specific vaccinations. 

I am turning 65 years of age.  My doctor told me that I will need some vaccinations.  What will I need?

You will need a Prevnar 13 and then one year later receives the Pneumonia 23.  If you did not get a shingles vaccine, it is recommended that you receive the shingles vaccine.   You will need a flu vaccine every year.

Okay, I am 66 years of age and my Doctor gave me the Pneumonia 23 today.  When can I get the Prevnar 13?

You will have to wait 1 year before you can get the Prevnar 13. 

If you have any other specific questions about vaccines and vaccination schedules, please discuss those questions with your doctor, or call us at the Livingston County Health Center at 646-5506.  You can also access vaccination information on the cdc.gov website for the most current vaccination information.