Tips on how to get vaccinated

Health-care officials agree that adults over 60 years old who have had chickenpox should be vaccinated against shingles, an extremely painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

  People in that age range are targeted for the vaccine because it was tested on people 60 and older, they are more likely to get shingles, and, when they do, often have a more severe case of it.

  But most of the very physicians who recommend the vaccine Zostavax don’t administer it in their offices, largely because its storage requires a special freezer that will keep the serum at minus-5 degrees.

  In addition, most insurance companies don’t cover it, so doctors are reluctant to offer a vaccination for which they have to absorb the cost, which, in this case, is about $165 per dose. Medicare may pay a portion of that amount, depending on the patient’s drug (Medicare Part D) plan.

  So, what’s a senior to do?

  Some pharmacies, including Rite Aid and Walgreens, also offer the vaccine. But call your local pharmacy before you go because not all pharmacists are trained and certified to give shots of any kind, according to Brad Blaine, an associate clinical professor of family medicine at University of California, Irvine, who also teaches in the University of Southern California schools of pharmacy and gerontology.

  In addition, not all stores stock Zostavax.

  And remember, because the vaccine is a live virus, it must remain frozen until shot into your arm.

  You cannot buy it at the pharmacy, then drive it to your doctor. It could partially defrost during even a short trip and be dangerous to use.

  Merck and Co. Inc., the manufacturer of Zostavax, offers on its Web site a list of pharmacies that provide the vaccine.

  Go visit www.merck.com and type "adult vaccination locator" into the Quick Search box at the top right of your screen. Hit "enter," then type your ZIP code into the appropriate box.

  If you don’t have or know how to use a computer, most public libraries will help you access the Merck Web site and print out the information.