Shingles vaccine update

[Ovingite]

Hi folks, and thanks for your responses. I called my haematology department today and they advised that it is ok for my wife to have the zostavax shingles vaccine containing the live virus and that it does not pose a risk to me.

I'm not sure if the NHS currently allows shingrix (non-live virus) in the UK, but my CCG doesn't support it. I cross the magic 70 threshold next year so we will see what happens then, when I will need to have the jab myself.

Once again, thanks for your replies and support

John

[catkinspolymer]

Prof Harrison advised me not to have the live shingles vaccine.

all the best Town Crier

[PeterTS]

Hello John. Shingrix is approved by the NHS but you have to get it privately. I am having the first (of a series of two) vaccination this week. Cost £200 per vaccination. Regards. Peter

[Ovingite in reply to PeterTS]

Thanks Peter - that's good to know. Given how nasty shingles can be, that sounds like a good investment for when I cross the age 70 boundary. It might even make a very unusual birthday present

Cheers

John

[PeterTS in reply to Ovingite]

John

You don't need to wait to 70 (although we are) - we have two friends who developed shingles in their 60s. FYI my GP also told my wife that she shouldn't have the normal live shingles vaccine but my haematologist has told them it is OK. I'd mention that I had to track down a clinic which would give the vaccination - there don't seem to be many about. I live in Leicestershire and could only find one near Coventry and one at Loughborough. There are a few in the south east though.

Regards,

Peter