The Ford County Public Health Department is offering the Shingrix vaccine to adults 55 years of age and older.

Shingrix helps protect against shingles, a painful rash that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingrix also protects against postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), severe pain that can occur at the site of the shingles rash even after the rash is gone.

Shingrix is given in two doses separated by two to six months. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), two doses of Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

To schedule an appointment, people can contact the agency’s office in Paxton at 217-379-9281.

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