Miranda was born and raised in the Eugene area on her family’s farm. In May of 2009, Miranda graduated with a doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy. To be closer to her family and friends—and to work for Whaley’s Pharmacy—Miranda moved back to the Jefferson City area and is excited to be a part of the Whaley’s family and the Jefferson City community. Quarterly Article by Pharmacist Miranda Henley, PharmD. Did you know that if you had chicken pox as a child you are at risk of developing shingles? Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays in your body and can resurface as shingles later in life. Half of people age 85 or older have had or will have a case of shingles. It is estimated that 1 million cases of shingles occur in the US every year. Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. Once the initial phase of the shingles infection is over, 1 in 5 people develop severe nerve pain which can last anywhere from months to years. There is now a vaccine called Zostavax that can help prevent the development of shingles. The CDC recommends that people age 60 years or older who have had chickenpox get the vaccine. Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild and include redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and rarely headaches. Most Medicare Part D plans and some private pay insurances cover the shingles vaccine with various co pays. Getting the shingles vaccine is simple. Just talk to your doctor to determine if you are a candidate. If you are a candidate for the vaccine, have your doctor write you a prescription. Whaley’s is now able to administer Zostavax. If you are interested in receiving Zostavax or have any questions don’t hesitate to contact one of Whaley's pharmacists.
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