"My world-class shingles vaccine."
Equipped with the printout from the FDA website, I waited at my local clinic until they started their screening.
MedTech: "110/65, you must really enjoy being retired. Why are you seeing us today? What's that red streak on your arm?"
Me: "Thanks, just a scratch from bougainvillea pruning. I'd like to get a Zostavax vaccination."
(In retrospect, my remarks and MedTech's screening sheet must have somehow been worded to give the impression that I think I have shingles.)
20 minutes later in the exam room--
Doc: "Hi, I'm the doctor. Are you feeling OK today?"
Me: "Um, yes?"
Doc: "Are you in any pain?"
Me: "No, did they tell you that I'm here to get a shingles vaccine?"
Doc: "Yes, but I'm wondering how you determined that you had shingles?"
(Comedic hilarity ensues.)
Once we decide that I probably don't have shingles, it turns out that the doctor knows how to give a vaccine but has no idea how the clinic obtains it. His staff eventually sets him straight and he writes me a prescription, advising me to go next door to the pharmacy for the shot.
Pharmacist: "I'm sorry, we don't accept Tricare for Zostavax."
Me: "That's OK, I'm willing to pay for it."
Pharmacist: "$200?!?"
Me: "Yes please, unless you have a sale coming up?"
Pharmacist: "Ha ha, let me get you an appointment for the shot. How about September?"
It turns out that getting a prescription might have been the easy part. Finding the actual vial in stock could be a challenge. Later today I'll be consulting our local Navy clinic, Tripler, Schofield, and perhaps Long's Drugs.