The new vaccine for adult
shingles is now available free of charge to Medicare members of FamilyCare.
Known as Zostavax, the vaccine is used in adults age 60 and older and
reduces the incidence of shingles by half and pain and discomfort by nearly
two-thirds according to Merck research.
"This vaccine helps prevent an illness that affects many older
Americans and often results in significant pain," said Jeff Heatherington,
President. "While experts worried that partial insurance coverage of
Zostavax might slow its acceptance, FamilyCare is committed to offering our
valued members 100 percent coverage for a medical breakthrough vaccine that
helps prevent illness and decrease pain. Providing this vaccine free of
charge represents FamilyCare's commitment to the health of our members by
providing leadership in the health plan field."
Shingles strikes when the chickenpox virus reactivates and resumes
reproducing after lying dormant for decades in nerve cells in the body,
causing itching, burning and tingling, as well as a distinctive red rash
that develops into pus-filled blisters that later break open and form
scabs. Pain, too, is common and can persist in some patients for months or
years.
There are roughly 1 million new U.S. cases of shingles each year. It
typically affects the elderly, though anyone with a weakened immune system
is vulnerable. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of cases occur in
those 60 years of age and older.
About FamilyCare
Serving Oregon since 1984, FamilyCare is a health system of health
insurance and medical clinics. FamilyCare was one of the first Oregon
insurers to serve the Medicaid population and is now serving Medicare
patients as well. FamilyCare provides Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug
insurance in Clackamas, Clatsop, Multnomah, Umatilla, Washington, and
Wheeler Counties. FamilyCare also provides Oregon Health Plan insurance in
the six counties listed above as well as Josephine and parts of Jackson
Counties. Two osteopathic family practice clinics are operated in SE
Portland and Milwaukee. For more information, please visit
familycareinc.
FamilyCare
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