There has been a lot of advertising on Classic FM that older people with immune deficiency diseases should get the anti shingles vaccine. I asked the question a few years ago and it was stated by Prof Harrison that this was a live vaccine and was therefore dangerous to us with ET/PV especially if we were taking HU / Hydroxy carbamide.
Is this still the case.?
Hello catkinspolymer - think it’s only over 70s are offered a shingles vaccination - for us MPNers the non live vaccine is called shingrix + is a 2 dose (there is info on the nhs website) - Anne- Marie x
Hi the jab for shingles is Shingrix this is for people that cannot have the other and are immune suppressed, I had my first jab back in April the second will be due in September, but you have to be over 70 to qualify.Jean
If you do get shingles the antivirals make a huge difference. I've had shingles three times aged 16, 24 ish then at 45 ish. The last time I got the antivirals straight away and it compressed the whole thing to three or 4 days rather than it dragging in for weeks. I don't have a MPN my husband does (newly diagnosed) . I have Cerebral Palsy and a not very good immune system, hence shingles at 16 etc
If you are referring to the Shingrix, it is not a live vaccine. It is recommended for people with weakened immune systems. cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vi...
It is correct that live vaccines are contraindicated for people taking HU.
online.epocrates.com/drugs/...
You are correct about the potential for a drug interaction between Shingrix and HU.
hydroxyurea zoster vaccine, inactivated
Applies to: hydroxyurea, zoster vaccine, inactivated
If you are currently being treated or have recently been treated with hydroxyurea, you should let your doctor know before receiving zoster vaccine, inactivated. Depending on the dose and length of time you have been on hydroxyurea, you may have a reduced response to the vaccine. In some situations, your doctor may want to delay vaccination to give your body time to recover from the effects of hydroxyurea therapy. If you have recently been vaccinated with zoster vaccine, inactivated, your doctor may choose to postpone treatment with hydroxyurea for a couple of weeks or more. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
drugs.com/interactions-chec...
My docs have recommended that I get the Shingrix vaccine since I had chicken as a child and have only had the old version of the vaccine. I am going to time it between any COVID boosters and the flu shot. Definitely not going to double up on vaccines. Did that with flu/pneumonia last year. Not a good experience.
Perhaps we can get Dr. Harrison to weigh in on this issue for clarification.
As noted here, the current vax, Shingrix, is not live and thus ok for us in general. I got it last year.
Dr. Harrison was referring to Zostavax, this is the old one that I also got before. It is live and not advised for us. Zost is no longer even offered in the US. It's also not too effective, hence the Rx of Shingrix for me.
Singrix is generally more disruptive than the covid vaxes, but still worth getting.
Yes, still the case, my GP told me not long ago, she said unless I have the one without government subsidise, which is extremely expensive, so she suggested me to find put from my haematology first since my next haematologist appointment is coming up in October. So will see.
So is is recommended that MPNers wait until they’re 70 to get Shingrix or we can get it at 50 as advertised?
Glad you asked this I’ve been wondering the same thing
The only one in the US is Shingrix & we are told to get it at 50. I got my two doses, finished up just in time for my first covid vaccine. My drs didn’t change any of my HU or heart meds. Be warned the shingrix vaccine might kick your butt. I didn’t know this & when i woke up shivering uncontrollably, I swore I had covid. My husband on the other hand had no reaction to Shingrix whatsoever.
Shringix was only approved for use by the NHS on 31st August last year hence why you were told before that not to have it. It is only for 70-79 year olds.
This is the link:
catkinspolymer, even though my wife is over 70 her oncologist doesn't want her on Shringix instead he prescribed valacyclovir used once a day.
Hard work getting vaccine 
5th vaccine
Vaccine 
Pneumonia vaccine
