Hydroxy and shingles vaccination

[Ovingite]

My wife went for a flu & shingles jab today but was advised by the nurse not to have the shingles vaccination because it is a live virus and could affect me as I am on hydroxycarbamide. Has anyone else come across this?

John

[Swede]

Hi,there are two vaccinations for shingles,one live and one not. Talk to your doc. if they think you need it and if your wife will be a danger for you.

Your doc knows best!🙂

[Helpatlast]

Yes no live vaccines for anyone on HU is correct

[christiev in reply to Helpatlast]

Hello

I am unclear of the reasons why live vaccines are 'not allowed' with hydroxy - can any one explain?

I am particularly interested as some travel vaccines are 'live' and am wondering what people who travel to some parts of Asia do re vaccines.

[WileyFrench]

In Canada the shingles vaccine (brand name Shingrix) is not live. Approved by Health Canada last year. It’s what I got this year and public health and pharmacy advised that not only is it not a live virus, it’s an improved product over the old vaccine. So that’s good news!

[EleanorPV]

I’m in Scotland and haven’t found anyone who can supply the non live vaccine.

[Sarah_786 in reply to EleanorPV]

There isn't a non live vaccine actually available in the UK yet- the only one is the live one (Zostavax)

[Ladygolf]

My hematologist in Canada insisted I get the new vaccine Shingrix. It is not live, is more effective and lasts longer. With very low white and neutrifil counts he said getting shingles would be very dangerous. So if you live anywhere it is available I suggest you ask for it. It is not covered by our government plan and costs about $300 Canadian.

[margiebob44]

I don't know why the nurse would have advised her not to get the vaccine. If you get shingles you will regret not getting the vaccine. You must have had chickenpox or A person with shingles can typically spread the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox. ... If you haven't had chickenpox, you can get the varicella-zoster virus from contact with someone else's oozing shingles blisters. This could lead to chickenpox. Also you can get shingles more than once.

[Ovingite in reply to margiebob44]

Hi Margie,

The nurse was concerned that there was a risk that if my wife had the live vaccine it was possible that she could infect me with shingles, which wouldn't be too good as hydroxycarbamide has reduced my resistance. However my haemo has said the risk is minimal so she will now have the jab.

John

[margiebob44 in reply to Ovingite]

There is a new shingles shot which might not be live virus, best of luck.

[IrishHiker]

I had the Shingles vaccination last year and had no problems. I am also on Hydrea. Honestly do not recall if it was live or not though.