Shingles Jab: I noted that Lupus sufferers over 5... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,250 members28,609 posts

Shingles Jab

Stewart64 profile image
15 Replies

I noted that Lupus sufferers over 50 were supposed to be eligible for the Shingrix jab.

However, after requesting one from the Surgery the receptionist said no. I did recently get the over 75s Covid booster without asking, courtesy of my immune system, , which I thought over the top. However, as rashes are a particular problem for Lupus sufferers, I do not think the same where Shingles are concerned. I turn 60 in August.

Written by
Stewart64 profile image
Stewart64
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLady

Your compromised immune system (depending what drugs and what dose you are on) should allow you to get Shingrix vaccine .

Copy of links to have a look at-

General info -,

england.nhs.uk/2023/07/nhs-...

Green book -page 7 may help.

assets.publishing.service.g...

Stewart64 profile image
Stewart64 in reply toDorsetLady

Thank you for the reply. No, I'm not on any medication that would compromise the Shingrix, only statins.

It's just a case of not getting past the Surgery receptionist.. " You're not on the list". A bit disappointing, I really go down heavily with viruses and especially rashes, so Shingles is a major worry. But it looks like I have fallen at the first hurdle.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLady in reply toStewart64

Ahh.. couldn’t see anything on your bio…but thought I’d give you info anyway… looks like you’ve dipped out then… sorry.

It is available privately - but expensive! So maybe discuss with GP. ..if you can get past the doorkeeper! 😊

Good luck.

Spanielmadlady profile image
Spanielmadlady

Available to people over 50 with a compromised immune system .I take mmf & pred and have had both my doses . X

Mamasquidy profile image
Mamasquidy

I asked about the shingles vaccine but the surgery said no despite being 50 and immune challenged. She inferred that there wasn't a lot of the vaccine to go round so the criteria was strict.

lupie46 profile image
lupie46

I have been invited for a shingrix vaccine, and I do have lupus. The invite isn't because of the lupus, but because of the immune suppressants that I take.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLady in reply tolupie46

The invite isn't because of the lupus, but because of the immune suppressants that I take.

That’s true, but is does depend what medication you are taking, and at what dose.. as many have discovered (lot of chat on the PMRGCAuk forum re this on shingles vac and current covid booster). Need to read the small print… some GP surgeries seem to be be more stringent than others

soul22 profile image
soul22

Hi

Yes I need one but I'm uk we not allowed shingles vaccine until age your GP surgery stated.

I had shingles four times

In America you can get it much younger

Spanielmadlady profile image
Spanielmadlady in reply tosoul22

I'm UK and had it age 53 because I'm immunosuppressed due to mmf and pred. It depends on you immune status .

soul22 profile image
soul22 in reply toSpanielmadlady

I'm 52 I'm on immune suppression drugs they refused no idea how u got it because nhs nice guidelines state total no even on immune suppression drugs

I ask hospital GP everywhere so you shouldn't advise her can.

You must have a Dr broke rules in London u cannot or other parts uk

Spanielmadlady profile image
Spanielmadlady in reply tosoul22

No. I'm steroid dependent so have a severely weakened immune system. I also take mmf so i qualified.I got mine no problem in Nov and again in Feb once the non live shringx vaccine was available. Rules may change since last year 🤷‍♀️ the article on Lupus UK gives the immunosupressant drug criteria.

soul22 profile image
soul22 in reply toSpanielmadlady

So am I'm but I'm refused won't give it

Spanielmadlady profile image
Spanielmadlady in reply tosoul22

Sorry about that...🤷‍♀️

Stewart64 profile image
Stewart64

The Boots course is 480 quid privately, yet for most it appears a very minor illness so it is surprising the NHS are offering the course to anybody over 65. But with the NHS not offering the jab, I might consider going private considering my immune system. . I'm currently sharing an air B and B in Tooting, London with my wife and a lady aged 81 that has shingles because we are part of a wedding party. I suppose that is why I sought the jab last week . Tbh she is barely troubled with it, a tiny rash ( a few black marks around the waist that look like stretch marks) and she doesn't know she is ill. But I doubt a Lupus sufferer would get away with such light symtoms.

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards

I had to wait until I was 70, I asked when I had my flu jab, 2 weeks before I was 70 and was told 'no' and had to wait another 6 months x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Flu jab

Is it safe for us Lupus sufferers to have the flu jab? I have it every year, as even a cold goes...
Jacqui296 profile image

I have Discoid Lupus, although this diagnosis is under review following the outcome of recent hip X-rays. Just been diagnosed with shingles.

Confused. Lupus means over active immune system and I thought you had to be run down to get...
Wendy39 profile image

So do we have any positive stories about living with Lupus or do we communicate on these sites to share our woes?

I'm not trying to accuse anybody of "moaning". As I'm sure you are all aware lupus sufferers are...
Lewy profile image

Have you had lupus for 15 years or more.???

Based on another members question, I would like to know how sufferers are fairing, long term. Has...

Flu Jab

Hello everyone! I hope you are all ok (or as they say ‘as well as can be expected with Lupus’)....
Jacqui296 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.