Dear Dr. Gott: This letter is to inquire about the availability of the shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

The most recent ladies' magazines (i.e., Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day), The Saturday Evening Post and the September issue of Johns Hopkins Newsletter advised that women over the age of 60 receive the vaccine for shingles, especially if they had chicken pox as children.

My sister and I have spent weeks trying to locate someone to administer this vaccine. Johns Hopkins advised us to check with our family doctor.

He advised us to check with a dermatologist, who advised us to check with our local Health Department. They then referred us to the passport office. Can you unravel this mystery?

Reply: And mysterious it is. Under normal circumstances, a family physician can order the vaccine and administer it. Your doctor appears to be passing the buck.

Zostavax is an injection that helps prevent shingles. It is recommended for people 60 and older.

Those with compromised immune systems or who are taking medications that affect the immune system, and women who are of childbearing age or are pregnant or breastfeeding, should not receive the vaccination.

According to the Physicians' Desk Reference, the vaccine should be stored frozen and reconstituted immediately before administration.

If it's not used within 30 minutes, it must be thrown away. There is no statement that says it must be administered by a specific type of medical specialist, so I don't understand why your physician can't do the job.

I see no reason he can't give the injection other than simply not wanting to hassle with the specific administration instructions (which, frankly, is not a good enough reason).

If he is worried about losing money should you fail to show for your appointment, I suggest that he order the vaccine through your local pharmacy so you can pick it up and pay for it on the way to the appointment.

This ensures you get the vaccine in the appropriate time frame and the physician does not lose money buying a vaccine that can spoil easily.

I have found in my own practice that this method works very well, and most patients are willing to spend the money for the vaccine.

If it is covered under their insurance, they can then submit the bill and be reimbursed directly from the insurance company. Medicare may not cover this expense.

I suggest you discuss this option with your family physician. If he is still unwilling, perhaps you should seek a more understanding and compromising physician.

The vaccine is a good health investment and can save time and money. Prescription medication to treat shingles can be very expensive, not to mention that shingles can last for weeks or even months.

Some people have permanent, painful nerve damage. Find a physician who will work with you. Good luck.

Dr. Gott is a retired physician and the author of 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook'. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.