Lately, there has been a high demand for the new anti-shingles vaccine and the manufacturer can't keep up with the demand.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services told News 10 Tuesday that at the end of last year a new vaccine for shingles was licensed for use in those over 49 years old.
And because it was so effective, the ACIP made a preferential recommendation to use the Shingrix vaccine instead of the zoster vaccine.
"They've reduced the age from 60 to 50 this year. Also it's more effective than the previous version, and also this requires two doses. The other only required one," said Joel Murr, Deputy Health Officer with the Ingham County Health Department.
The Ingham County Health Department is not giving out the first dose at this time, but they're prioritizing people who need their second dose within the two to six-month window.
"If they do not meet the window, they do not have to start the dosage over again. They can just wait and receive it when it is available," Murr said.
Quality MedRX Pharmacy in Lansing has been seeing a lot of people coming in looking for the vaccine.
'Of the people that come in here about 5 to 10 percent are looking for it and have not found it for a very long time," said Robert Ross, a registered pharmacist.
Lynn Sutfin from the MDHSS, said that they expect people will experience some difficulty getting the vaccine until at least mid-2019.
"The recommendation is for individuals to continue to contact their health care provider when more vaccine is available because the manufacturer continues to ship out limited quantities to health care providers," Sutfin said. "This person can also contact the local pharmacies. They have been working hard to stock the vaccine as much as possible."
She added that unfortunately there is not enough Shingrix to go around in the short term and that the manufacturer is working hard to increase production.
Quality MedRX is down to their last dose until they can get more, but they're pretty confident they'll be able to get a small supply before next year.
"We have a good chance of getting it. Our wholesalers are two of the largest wholesalers so if they don't have it, nobody's gonna have it," Ross said.
Doctors recommend people who got the old vaccine to still get the new vaccine as it is far more effective.
About one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC. The risk of getting it increases as you get older.
Symptoms include a painful rash on one side of the face, or the body, blisters that scab over, a fever, headache, and chills. Most people who get shingles only have one episode during their lifetime.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken-pox.
To search for Shingrix availability in your area, visit vaccinefinder.org. Call ahead to see if it's available.
