New Mexico offers free shingles vaccine

SANTA FE (AP) - The state Department of Health and the New Mexico Pharmacy Association are offering free shingles vaccine to adults 60 and older who are uninsured, underinsured or cannot afford to pay the copay.

The Health Department is paying for the 5,670 doses of Zoster through one-time federal stimulus funds.

Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash due to acute infection with the virus that causes chickenpox.

The vaccine will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the limited supply is gone.

It's available at locations in Mountainair, Edgewood, Corona, Moriarty, Roswell, Santa Rosa and Albuquerque. Other locations may be opened later.

The Health Department recommends a single lifetime dose of the vaccine for all people age 60 and older.

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