Just got a phone call from GP booking me in for my shingles vaccine as I fit the criteria.Has anyone had any experience of the jab. Do I need to ask Rheumatology about changing my tcz infusion times .
Thanks , I not after medical advice just whether you personally had to adjust your drip timings. I know with my covid jab I was told I could even have it the same day as my Tcz infusion!
TIA x
I’ve just had my first one yesterday. My rheumatologist said I didn’t need to hold off my biologic or MTX, for shingles vaccine. He still suggests holding off MTX for 2 weeks after the covid vaccine. I usually feel dreadful after vaccines, partly due to making no cortisol to deal with the stress on the body. However, other than my shoulder being a bit sore, I’ve had no issues.
I was only on MTX, which I skipped that week, and it was ok. Being intramuscular it was a bit ouchy but only a bit sore after.
Hello Gnarli - please could you tell me your level of methotrexate? Thanks v much. D
I'm currently on 17.5mg metoject if that helps
Thanks so much Gnarli2. I’m only on 15mg as they can’t give me more as it potentiates my neutropenia too badly.. but have had shingles twice in last 2.5yrs and really don’t want it again. Had this last bout for 2mths despite the anti virals. Was clearly too late, as was misdiagnosed at first with “potential bed bugs” - for goodness sake! So awful. I’m only 61, and whilst i have v low complement 4 and on off 3, plus v low Igm3 and all sorts of other up spout bloods plus awful diseases, they won’t give it to me yet. Did you find your neutrophils had plummeted with your bouts?? Guessing the link is there as we catch it/it is more easily activated when we’re at low ebb. Anyway thanks so much and hoping upu are doing as well as poss. D
just had it. Didn’t stop drugs. Second one in a couple of weeks.
Yikes it's two .... I've really not looked into it lol thanks
Allanah, it's two doses if you have having the Shingrix vaccine, for those who qualify, but only one for the standard vaccine.
Need to be careful as I was told to book for shingles jab and I asked if it was the live vaccine.they checked and it was. Gp not interested that I should not have live vaccine. Shingrix is not live so ok but more expensive and 2 doses.
had both of my shingles vaccine. Slight reaction to first. None to second. Did not stop any of my meds.
I don't know about your medication but do know here they only record one dose as the system is set up for the ordinary vaccine and not the 2 needed for immune supressed. So ask about it being recorded twice. I had both and still got Shingles luckily not so badly, my side effect was very sore arm. I was told to carry on my med AZA and Benapali.
Thanks very much, that's helpful
Hello allanah, I had my two shingrix jabs in August and January. On both occasions I didn't stop MTX or CIMZIA.Fingers crossed for you. x
Thanks so much. Sending love, and I hope you are managing x
Well struggling a bit just now BUT seeing rheumy in 2weeks! Then SUMMER woooo
Hope all goes well. 🙏
Cheers . I hope so!!! Weird how our live revolve around outpatient appointments!
Hoping you have a lovely summer. 🩷
I have 2 of my consultant (other areas of health) still by by phone so it’s not as hectic re appointments atm but I see my rheumy every other appointment at my request. I can return to every appt being ftf if I want. She’s very accommodating. Good luck with your upcoming one. x
Just had my second one in March these new shingles vaccine aren't live so no need to stop meds , I had no problems having both vaccines I'm on methotrexate and orcenia
Just had my second shingling injection ....no side effects. Don't know about your infusion, I have fortnightly humira injections and that has not been affected.
Hi allanah I have had shingles 5 times,my last bout was about 4 years ago, the worst one ever I was called to have the jab about 6 months ago after seeking comments from our trusted group was advised it was to be the non live vaccine, was impressed all was in order at my surgery, right vaccine to hand, was advised that some people did get mild symptoms of shingles after the vaccine, but I felt completely well after, my arm was not even sore. And complete lack of worry in regard to catching shingles.
Hope it goes well with you should you decide to have the vaccine.
I think I’m going to Agree with you on this as it saying now that the covid vaccine is killing the immune system that fights all the infections in your body glad I only had 2
I was hoping not to start the vaccine debate ! Lol! 🤭 I wanted to know others experiences of timing of shingles vaccines and thanks everyone for giving me advice and experiences .
Good lady xxx
My ra drugs/ infusions/ steroid injections change my natural immunity ,which is what I need as my immune system overreacts thus RA, so vaccines help me I think. All vaccines have side effects .I have had shingles twice and it's awful and I don't want it again. X
Thanks everyone xxxx
I’ve had both Shingrix vaccines, just sore arm afterwards. I’m taking hydroxychloroquine and Adilamubab (sp) . I had shingles a few years ago , awful , hope to never have it again.
Obviously from the replies there are different experiences regarding stopping RA meds around the shingles vaccine. Please contact your rheumatology team for specific advice.
I'm on Cimzia and MTX. I was advised to skip the doses due after the vaccinations.
For my latest COVID booster I managed to get it between Cimzia injections and missed the next MTX as that seems to be the general advice.
Thanks so much . Yes I just had covid booster and shingles jab in two weeks booked thanksx
I had the first one no problem second o e booster arm ached like hell for 2 days apart from that no problem, I did ask the question about it being a non live vacine and the nurse assured me it wasn't.
Thank so much. Yeah my covid and b12 vaccines always hurt so im sorta expecting it!
so glad you are having the shingles vaccine,as just getting over 3 weeks of shingles and it is horrible,very painful.I had the vaccine 8 years ago evidently,and got antivirals on first day of rash,so have no post herpatic pain which can be very long lasting.Get all the protection you can.I do understand that the 2 dose Shingrix vaccine is not a live vaccine so is o.k. for us immunosuppressed and no stopping of meds at all,but do check.I did have to stop my JAK meds for 2 weeks while on antivirals so having a bit of a flare in hands and feet,but it will pass,I am sure.Good luck.x
Ouch. Yeah I got post hepatic pain last time. It was dreadful xx thanks xx
I was told that I couldn't have the shingles vaccine due to RA . Then I was recommended Shingrix ( auto-predict came up with Shangri-la 😄) but I got shingles before jab was due . Only a small rash on top of right breast and same on back of right shoulder - felt a bit "meh" .Just had my 9th covid - felt off for a day and a half . Fine now !
Yes same with covid jab but I love Shangri-la ... the area at Glastonbury festival !
We live just outside of Bath so near to Glastonbury. Haven't been to the festival but my kids were frequent visitors in their teenage years . I like the town vibe and often visit for tea in the Abbey tea rooms .
Oh I've visited Bath, beautiful place ... though we got stuck with a caravan on a diversion once , taking us over a tiny bridge when the main one was closed !!
Just check it’s the non live vaccine they are giving you which needs 2 doses spaced apart. Hopefully no dire arm x
i had Shingrix and no side effects …think I had to have 2 🤔
I was on Rituximab
I had non live vaccination 2 doses 2 months apart. Felt unwell next day after each, mainly bad aches, then ok. Only on sulphasalazine tho. Not told to leave off medication beforehand.
Thanks for your advice x
daughter got it, still get shingles
gal at church had a very bad reaction to it so much now she refuses any vaccines
That's a shame. I believe you can catch it after vaccines but less strong. And yes some people react to all drugs/ vaccines but I think ill take the risk x
All I can tell you is that I was very poorly after both shots. I almost considered not having the second. I did have it, but make sure you have nothing special planned. Good luck.
Thanks. knowing my luck it will make me yucky. I'll keel the next day free . Thanks x
Hi Allanah.
Like you I'm on TOC and didn't stop it for my Shingrix jabs.
No after effects after the first jab but felt a bit rough for 24 hours after the second and had an achy arm and spectacular bruise (probably because I take apixaban).
I take riveroxaban so yes constantly bruised with monthly ra blood tests, monthly infusion, flu jab, covid jab , steroid jab and no doubt shingles jab!
Shingles Vaccination
Shingles Vaccination 
Shingles vaccination
Shingles vaccine
Shingles Vaccine?
