Should I have the shingles jab

[Swimsyroke]

I have paroxysmal a-fib. I know the shingles vaccine is from a live vaccine so am worried about the side effects and if they could trigger the a-fib. Also has anyone any experience of what sort of side effects and how bad they can be.

[Buffafly]

Yes - none as far as I remember.

[BobD Volunteer]

No side effects at all. Do it!

[meadfoot]

There are two types of shingles vaccine available now in uk currently as i understand it. One is a live vaccine, the other is a non live one. Have a word with your doctor to see which is best for you.

[Swimsyroke in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks. I didn't realise that. The nurse only mentioned that it was a live vaccine. Do you think the non live vaccine will give the same protection?

[meadfoot]

The non live vaccine has been devised for immunocompromised patients for whom the live vaccine is unsuitable. It requires two jabs rather than the one for the live vaccine. I imagine the effectiveness is the same and is more about the suitability for individual patients. The vaccines are Zostavax a live vaccine given as one dose and Shingrix a non live vaccine given in two doses two months apart.

[Kaz747]

Having had Shingles, I would definitely recommend getting the vaccine.

[Becksagogo]

I'm with Kaz. I have just had shingles and it is the most painful thing I've ever had. I was recommended tea tree oil which helped tremendously . At 66 I was too young to be offered the vaccine but would recommend it to anyone thats offered it.

[Kaz747 in reply to Becksagogo]

I was in my 50s so too young too.

[Angie06]

Hi, I had my shingles jab in one arm and flu in the other about 3wks ago and no side effects at all. Now just waiting for my covid booster. 🤣

[Maggimunro]

Seriously, you do not want shingles! So painful from what I gather from people I know who have had it. I had my shingles jab just as soon as I could and my heart was absolutely stable. No reaction atall.

[Eddie49]

I have had shingles twice which is unusual so I understand. 10 years or more apart and on different parts of the body. It was horrible. Still get flare ups on the site of the rashes. I am not certain whether this now makes me immune or not but when I have asked the surgery about the vaccine, each time they said they didn't have any stocks and to ring back. Then I forgot, then Covid came etc. I think I need to chase this up again. Definitely don't want shingles a third time.

[baba in reply to Eddie49]

No you are not immune.

[Eddie49 in reply to baba]

I will definitely chase this up with the surgery.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Eddie49]

A friend of mine had shingles earlier in her life and thought it would protect her from further attacks. This wasn't the case and then about 4-5years ago she had it again, she is still wearing morphine patches to help with the pain to this day. She had a shingles jab after this latest bout started.

At what age are we offered it?

Jean

[Eddie49 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks. We are offered the shingles vaccine from age 70 up to age 80. After 80 we are not eligible as it apparently becomes less effective after that age.

[irene75359]

I have never had shingles but three people in my family have and seeing their experiences I wouldn't hesitate to have the jab. My mother-in-law suffered from post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles for the rest of her life and our GP must have tried every remedy known to ease her pain. Yes, have it!

[Crystalbowl]

You do not want shingles. I had a massive attack in .January 2019 which has left me with post herpetic neuralgia pain which is ghastly. I have not had the shingles vaccine. My understanding from others is that the Zostavax vaccine is the one the NHS gives to eligible people which I think is people aged 70-79. I was told by my GP at the time I would have to pay for the Shingrix vaccine which people in other countries claim is more effective and it would be £230 x2 as you need 2 shots. However, my current GP has now told me my surgery cannot give me this and to ask at a pharmacy which I have done. The first was the independent which provides my meds and the second was Boots, a national organisation. Both of them said they didn’t do it so I don’t know who does, the GP who told me about it has now left the practice. If anyone knows where to get it, please let me know.

[Swimsyroke in reply to Crystalbowl]

Thank you for the information. Swimsyroke

[baba]

Link to information UK.

gov.uk/government/publicati...

nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Please contact your GP surgery to check which one is most suitable for you to take, they have access to your medical notes and will be able to determine the best one for you personally.

[doodle68]

Having had shingles followed by post-herpetic neuralgia I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I had the vaccination the moment I was able to (and since I was diagnosed with P-AF) no problems at all... .

[Jumper]

No side effects at all from the jab.

However, I have had shingles and I would not wish it on my worst enemy.

[tooh]

I have had the Shingles jab and absolutely no side effects .

[Ducky2003]

I had Chicken Pox nearly 7 years ago and that was horrendous. I understand that makes you more susceptible to Shingles so can you still get vaccinated if you've had Chicken Pox and is it just over 70s?