Shingles is a viral infection that results in patches of blisters.

The rash, which is painful, stems from the chickenpox virus. People who have had chickenpox are more likely to have shingles.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates over 1 million Americans develop shingles each year.

Fortunately, there's a vaccine to fight it.

Unfortunately, there aren't as many vaccines as cases. In fact, there's a national shortage.

“It came in 2017,” said Aislinn Roberts, pharmacy manager at Rite Aid in Butler.

Roberts said the shortage is likely due to a miscalculation of the number of people who are seeking the vaccine.

Petrolia Pharmacy Manager Carl Shields agreed.

“There's been such high demand for it,” Shields said. “People have been tracking us down.”

Petrolia Pharmacy, according to Shields, has been able to work around the vaccine shortage.

Anticipating a growing number of adults who need the vaccine, Shields said he watched for available supplies and purchased as much as possible when he found it.

Shields said he's now able to supplement shortages in Butler County.

“I have people coming in from Butler,” Shields said. “We can get people in in a much more timely manner.”

Shields said because Petrolia Pharmacy is one of 11 Walberg Family Pharmacies in Western Pennsylvania, he's also able to get vaccines from other locations.

“To shift it where it's needed,” Shields said.

Rite Aid's vaccine distributor is McKesson Corporation, which has a warehouse in New Castle.

Rite Aid does have a shingles vaccine waiting list, according to Roberts. But it's not nearly as long as lists for pharmacies in more populated areas.

“We have a waiting list,” Roberts said. “We're getting (vaccines). But only every other week.”

Roberts estimated there are now 40 people on her pharmacy's waiting list.

Shingles requires a two-shot vaccine, administered over the course of two to six months.

Those who receive the first shot are moved up the waiting list so they can receive the second before the first shot expires.

Vaccines are typically administered to people 50 and older. Shingles becomes more likely with age.

“It can cause long-term nerve damage,” Roberts said. “It's ... very painful.”

Shingles vaccines can cost anywhere from $225 to $245 out-of-pocket, according to Roberts and Shields. But Medicare and other insurances typically cover vaccination costs.

Vaccine resupplies are expected to be “continuous and expedited” through the end of the year, according to the FDA's shortage list.

Shields believes the vaccine shortage will continue for at least a year.

But he also believes vaccine manufacturers are beginning to get a handle on the problem.

“The manufacturer seems to be starting to get a handle on it's manufacturing (shortage),” Shields said. “(But) we anticipate the demand for this will be very large.”

Roberts said residents should contact their pharmacies for information about vaccine availability. Their health is the most important part of the problem.

“If your doctor's office has it and your insurance pays for it, I would get it there,” Roberts said. “Get it when you can.”