Is the shingles vaccine suitable for people diagnosed with sle

[Hopey]

I have a case of shingle and was wondering if anyone has any first hand experience if the shingles vaccine is suitable for people that have sle.

I had inquired months ago about the vaccine with my GP and Rhuematologist but was advised by both it was not suitable for me to have, well now I’ve got shingles and not happy. I am going to broach the subject with them both again as even if the vaccine only makes the symptoms less, things I have read say normally people only get it once in their lifetime but knowing my luck I will get it again. Both my parents have had shingles multiple times and they have the shingle vaccine which I am assuming should help with the serverity of the shingle rash hopefully .

Any feed back or advise would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance

[happytulip]

Not sure about the vaccine, but if you can get to a GP within 48hrs of it starting they should start you on aciclovir.

[MrsMarigold]

I’m so sorry Hopey. I always like to start an answer like this with I’m no doctor! So there is no one more qualified than your GP. I’m in the States. I have been advised as an

SLE patient to get it the last few years. I finally did 2 weeks ago. Here it’s called

Shingrix and is a series of 2 shots

Months apart. I’m very happy I did it. But

My experience was 4 days of migraine like

Head and flu symptoms. My GP saw me last week. Said that’s not common so hold off on second shot until February. And on a gruesome note. Ugh. Hate to post but maybe it will help someone who has been putting it off: my husband’s cousin70 yrs.

died from shingles going to his brain just last week. Plz don’t shoot the messenger!

All of my Drs. Here in US encouraged me to

Get it. Without their insistence I would not.

Plz check again with your Docs. Best, Titters

[Tiggywoos]

Shingles horrid vile infection .. totally understand as had it 3 times in last year. I asked about vaccine but was told wouldn’t get it as under 70 but apparently can pay private ? Can’t imagine it’s too expensive .

If you have a good nurse she should perscribe you extra anti viral meds (ones happy tulip mentioned ) to keep at home in the event of another shingles bout as it’s good to catch it quick .

Be really kind to yourself as shingles wipes you right out , makes you very tearful too . Big hugs and well wishes xxx💕

[KayHimm]

The new vaccine is not live. You may be able to get that soon. I got the two dose Shingrix vaccine - no side effects. Live vaccines are not recommended for those with autoimmune disease.

Good luck. You have really had a hard time with shingles.

K

[Jmiller623]

Here in the states, Shingrix is recommended for immunocompromised over 18 years old or anyone over 50 years old. It is recombinant and safe for use in the immunocompromised and in lupus folks.

However, if they are talking about Zostavax, that is a live attenuated that you absolutely should not get if in any way immunocompromised. It was discontinued in the US last summer. You absolutely should NOT get this vaccine or any live attenuated vaccines as they can cause severe illness since it’s the actual virus being injected.

[KayHimm]

Looks like the Shingrix vaccine has only been approved for those seventy and over in the U.K. due to supply. You can get it privately at age fifty and older. That is just from quick internet search. Maybe others have more information and experience.

Xk

[Cas70]

Hi - it didn’t work for me and led to me being diagnosed with SLE and Sjogren’s- I take I Aciclovir tablet a day to keep it at bay, but during flares I have to take more pills BUT that was over 6 years ago and I just read of a new version where it is not a live vaccine - good luck.