shingrix Where to get one ?

[polomolo]

I have a very bad shingles on my back and my doctor recommended me shingrix , unfortunately it seems like it's unavailable in the uk.

I will appreciate any help

[HopeME]

It isn’t available in Boston either. I’m on “the list”. But no one can tell me what that means in terms of time.

Best

Mark

[livinglifewell in reply to HopeME]

I obtained it last spring on the Cape at my primary's office.

[HopeME in reply to livinglifewell]

Thank you. I’m going to explore other options soon.

[virdieblue in reply to HopeME]

After being on "the list" for months, I got it at the hospital where my oncologist is.

Virginia

[caven]

PoloMolo: AdrianUK has previously posted about a London-clinic that has Shingrix available for a fee. I recall that the cost was reasonable (250 pounds, I seem to recall) ~~ which, for those of us experienced in direct paying for medical services, is the standard retail cost here in the USA. Search his posts or send him a 'chat message.'

HopeME: Have you tried identifying ALL the Walgreens, CVS, etc., within 50-miles and spending the day (or two....) calling the pharmacists and pleading for access to Shingrix? Mentioning the immune compromised status of CLL seems to open up early access to the vaccination.

The 'cost' of NOT getting treatment (particularly protective vaccination) is unfathomably greater than the fee and the effort in locating the vials. Meet a few people with full-blown shingles outbreaks and it's clear why almost any price is a fair trade to avoid that cruel disease.

Caven

[HopeME in reply to caven]

Hi Caven

That is a good thought. I assumed that I’d have access from my GP but I’m not sure that is going to happen anytime soon. I’m on Acklyvor (sp) so I'm protected from shingles but I’d like to get the shot so I can get off this antibiotic. Thank you for your suggestion. I may start making some calls.

Best

Mark

[Alpha66 in reply to HopeME]

Antivirals only attenuate shingles they don't prevent it.

[HopeME in reply to Alpha66]

That isn’t what my CLL doctor said. He views it as a prophylactic. He said once I have the Shingrex vaccines I can come off the antibiotic. Lots of grey area and different thoughts about this subject even among experts. Not cut and dry as they say.

Thanks

[Alpha66 in reply to HopeME]

Antivirals ( not antibiotics) don’t cure of prevent shingles but mitigate the effects of shingles virus ( Herpes Zoster the childhood cause of chickenpox). The antivirals inhibit the multiplication of the virus . Over 90 % of people carry the virus as dormant . It usually only flares up when the immune system is down. I agree the new Shingrex vaccine is more effective than the old live vaccine and being a “dead” viral vaccine should cause any issues is we have CLL.

[wendyc40]

I got mine from the county health department. A nurse ordered it for me, with the stipulation that I'd pay for it if my insurance didn't cover the cost. It was the cheapest cost and the easiest way to get it. Insurance did cover 100%.

[Jm954 Administrator]

There appears to be a Shingrix vaccine supply difficulty at the moment as the few clinics I have found all say email them to be put on a waiting list.

The price was approx £250 per shot and 2 needed.

Jackie

[BluMts]

I'm not sure I understand. You have shingles now and your Doctor suggested that you now have the Shingrix Vaccine?

[Alpha66]

Need antivirals now to mitigate the effects of shingles.

[AdrianUK]

If you want to get shingrex here is the London based pharmacy / travel vaccination clinic that is supplying shingrex tho in theory any private travel clinic should be able to get it.

hhpharmacy.co.uk

[Teddo]

A letter from your doc stating increased risk of shingles for CLL pts may help move you to the top of waiting lists at pharmacies.