Choctaw Nation to offer shingles vaccine to seniors
Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) will now be offering the shingles vaccine to patients 60 years old or older. Anyone 60 years of age or older should get the shingles vaccine, regardless of whether the patient recalls having had the chickenpox or not. Studies show that no more than 99% of Americans ages 40 and older have had chickenpox, even if they do not remember getting the disease.
You should NOT get the shingles vaccine if any of the following apply to you
- Had a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of shingles vaccine.
- Have a weakened immune system because of HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
- Had treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids
- Had cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Had cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma
- Are pregnant or might be pregnant
Please contact your local Choctaw Nation Family Practice Clinic for the vaccine.
For more information about Shingles, see the attached flier.