Shingrix Vaccination

[Richardmint]

I had my first Shingrix vaccination on the NHS yesterday, I’m feeling slightly lethargic today but fingers crossed no further reaction. My local GP sidestepped the decision as whether it was beneficial to me and after consulting with my Haematology Team they requested with the GP Surgery to carry out the procedure. My second jab will be in a month’s time.

[GMa27]

One of my experts said not to bother...one said ok but doesn't push the subject. Holding out for now. I have had so many vaccines recently that I will wait & approach the subject with my docs next year.Good luck!

[Richardmint in reply to GMa27]

I certainly had quite a few conversations with both GP and Haematology before Shingrix was licensed via NHS. From that frequent dialogue I quickly realised that experts often don’t agree with each other and at the time I very much felt the ‘piggy in the middle’. It was frustrating.

[Mtk1]

I had mine recently and was told second one had to be after 8 weeks.

[Richardmint in reply to Mtk1]

Yes, the normal time for the second dose is between 2 and 6 months but I noted the leaflet said ‘your doctor may recommend a 1 month duration. The practice nurse also said 1 month. I suspect that we CLL patients maybe more susceptible to shingles than the norm. Interesting to note, my Haematology Consultant insisted I continue with Acyclovir (3 times daily) as a further precaution.

[Mtk1 in reply to Richardmint]

Yes I still take aciclovir daily, I’ve had shingles and it’s not nice.

[Justasheet1 in reply to Richardmint]

Rich,

I’m also fully vaccinated with Shingrix and taking an antiviral prophylactically.

Three times a day is a pia. My doc put me on Valacyclovir which is once daily. Perhaps you can get a script for that instead?

Jeff

[keeptalking]

Thanks for posting this. I have mine booked in for a couple of weeks time but didn’t realise I needed two of them. It was hard enough getting them to agree to give me the first one so will prepare myself for more frustrating conversations with the practice.

[IanredUK]

I contacted a GP at my practice who had spoken to the Haematology consultant about vaccines I needed after I was confirmed with CLL 12 months ago. (W&W). I was advised then that although I was eligible for a Shingles vaccine, but being a live va cine I couldn't have it, nor could my wife. She has again contacted the Haematologist and has confirmed I can book myself in for the Shingrix vaccine, I am now waiting to see if my wife can be offered the Shingrix vaccine as well. Does anyone in uk know the answer to this?

[Richardmint in reply to IanredUK]

I am not a medical expert but I do know that Shingrix is a non-live vaccine against Shingles. It was licensed to be available free on the NHS on Sept 1st 2021 in the U.K. There may be some stipulations regarding age but as CLL patients we shouldn’t experience problems receiving this vaccine through our GP. In my case I asked my Haematology Specialist Nurse to email my local GP to order and carry out the vaccination(s).

[shornoff]

I have sent my GP information on the NICE agreement to the Shingrix vaccine, have sent her a recommendation from my Haemotolgist that I get it, rung the practice twice and told a doctor or nurse would get back to me. I have heard nothing in 6 weeks!

I know they're stressed but so am I!

Any ideas how to get a GP to take notice?

[Richardmint in reply to shornoff]

The only thing I can suggest is to ask a member of your Haematology Team to send a request ‘direct’ to your GP stating that it’s important they carry out the Shingrix Vaccination process on your behalf. That was the only thing that worked for me, as at the time I felt my local GP Surgery wasn’t really listening to me.

I hope it works out OK for you.

[Vocals]

Hi. I have been reading your advice on getting the Shingrix vaccine. My GP has refused to give it to me as I am 62yrs old. I will ask the haematology team to email the GP. Hopefully they will take action.

[Richardmint]

Hi Vocals,My understanding in the U.K. is, anyone over 50 years of age can receive the Shingrix vaccine free of charge via the NHS. If you are a CLL patient (on treatment or W&W) then the qualification to receive the vaccine should be twofold. I hope your Haematology Team instructs your GP to carry out the vaccinations for you.