Shingles vaccine available at Tribal Health

Stacey Kiehn, THHS Public Information Officer

CSKT Tribal Health and Human Services (THHS), is pleased to announce the availability of a vaccine for the viral infection, Shingles. This infection is described as a painful skin rash or blisters, occurring on one side of the body. Its origin from the same virus causing Chickenpox. Shingles is most common in older adults and people who have weakened immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medications, or other factors. Its early symptoms include headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms without a fever. The main symptom is pain, which can be mild or quite severe. Anyone who has had Chickenpox is at risk for Shingles. This is due to the virus staying in your body with the potential to reappear many years later.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine for use in people 60 years and older who have had Chickenpox. This vaccine is only a preventative therapy measure and is not a treatment for those who already have Shingles or the painful after-effects of the virus, known as Postherpetic Neuralgia. The vaccine can however, reduce the pain initially associated with Shingles.

Like most medications, there are some individuals who should not receive the Shingles vaccine. These individuals include those who: - have ever had a life threatening allergic reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic Neomycin - the individual should consult with their provider about any potential allergic reactions;
    • has a weakened immune system;
    • has active, untreated Tuberculosis;
    • is pregnant or might be pregnant. Women should not become pregnant until at least three (3) months after getting the Shingles vaccine.

Patient Information:
If you are a patient of THHS Outpatient clinic, you can access your usual provider for receipt of the vaccination by calling to set up an appointment with the clinic nurse at the following:
    St. Ignatius: (406) 745-3525 ext. 5100 Dorene Vallee or Misissa Grandchamp
    Arlee: (406) 726-3224 Albert Plant
    Ronan: (406) 676-8778 Vanessa Courville

If you have a primary care provider other than tribal health, you can contact your area Community Health Nurse at the following:
    St. Ignatius: 745-3525 ext. 5064 Christie Larocque
    Arlee: 726-3224 Tammy Matt
    Ronan/Pablo: 676 - 0137 Barb Plouffe
    Polson: (406) 883-5541 Deb Anderson
    Hot Springs: (406) 741-3266 Patty Gierke
    Elmo: (406) 849-5798 Patty Gierke