Shingrix Vaccine

[Jamesxyz]

Any issues with getting this vaccine for mpn patients?

Has anyone gotten it?

[EPguy]

I got it the year of my Dx. All went as expected, it does hurt and one might feel it for a few days so Dr suggested doing it on Friday. The current shot, Shingrix, is not a live vax so in general is ok for us. I also got the old shot years ago, but it's not as durable.

It's a good idea for all of us, and if Rux therapy is a possibility, it's an extra good idea.

[MCW22]

I've just turned 70 and have just had the first dose. It is given in 2 doses 8 weeks apart, so I am due the second one in the first week of January.Do make sure when you book it that they fully understand that you need the non live vaccine.

Reading previous posts about this, a lot of people said their gp surgeries had to order shingrix in for them, so I was surprised to find my surgery held it in stock.

It didn't hurt any more than the flu jab. Side effects similar.

Hope this helps.

Carol.

[Ashburnmam]

Had my first Shingrix vaccination and second one on 6 December. No issues except usual sore arm. Hope same after second.

[SRH55]

Hi,

I had the Shigrix jab at the beginning of November, second dose due at the beginning of January. Apart from a sore arm for a couple of days, I had no issues. My Haematologist recommended I had it as I’ve been put on Ruxolitinib & also been put forward for a STC.

Good luck.

[catkinspolymer]

having mine Friday , deemed safe as it,s not a live vaccine.

[Loubprv Volunteer]

hi - are you in the US?

[ainslie]

I wondered if anyone in Scotland got Shingrix on NHS if under 70, I’m 65 and asked Haem nurse but she said I had to buy it and GP’s don’t do it, I would have to buy it from a pharmacy, I’m on Rux for PV and had mild dose of shingles recently.

[DJK12 in reply to ainslie]

I will be 70 next year and am not holding my breath about getting the vaccine. GPs certainly in Edinburgh have recently stopped doing them. A friend's husband (not with an MPN) missed being asked at 70 because our GP paused it during lockdowns. Now at 72 he was told it's been centralised and NHS Lothian are sending out appointments in batchs but on enquiring recently he missed the cut for the last batch and just has to wait. They reported that getting any information was almost impossible. I infer from that that there is a dreadful backlog. I looked up about getting it privately and Boots seem to be charging £450!

When I was put on rux the consultant warned about us being susceptible to shingles so I asked the GP if I could have antvirals to keep in the house but was firmly turned down. Having said that a neighbour with it recently got them very efficiently through the duty GP within 48 hours of developing the rash. I hope you weren't too ill with it and if necessary got the antivirals in time.

[ainslie in reply to DJK12]

I thought about asking GP for some antiviarals "just in case" I get it again but I am pretty sure that sensible idea will be binned. The trick is to hit it with the antivarals asap this apparently helps in reducing the level and duration pain. I am going to see if I can buy some when on holiday in Spain, it makes perfect sense.

[DJK12 in reply to ainslie]

That sounds a cunning plan. My son only in his late 30s had it badly, didn't recognise it in time and missed the narrow window for the antivirals - nearly affected his eyes - so we're alert to it. Classic FM have a running ad telling us if eligible to get the vaccine which, because of the apparent problems of getting it, certainly in the east of Scotland, is becoming very irritating. It appears from this forum that down south GPs are doing it efficiently.

[Tilly_Rose]

I had a flu and Shingrix jab yesterday the only thing I have is the arm that had the Shingrix is very sore but all good no side effects also with this Shingrix jab I have to go back In 8 weeks time for another then that’s it for life so all good. Oh I have JAK 2 on HU and mini aspirin hope this helps x

[Wentry]

I had both Shingrix shots recently. I usually only get a sore arm with the flu and Pfizer Covid vaccines, but with the Shingrix vaccine I had bad muscle and joint aches, headache, slight nausea, and felt pretty ill for 2-3 days with both shots. Still worth having it though as it’s far more effective at preventing shingles than the older live Zostavax one, and shingles side effects can be far worse and be ongoing even after the shingles has gone. I had to pay for it (NZ$640 total) as I’m only 60.

I’m ET JAK2+ on Pegasys 45mcg weekly.

[Plavers]

Hi James, I had no problems getting the Shingrix Vaccine, I did feel a bit more tired for a couple of days, but it soon passed. I'm 72 with ET Jak2

[Jamesxyz in reply to Plavers]

OK thanks for all the replies.

I'm in the USA. Looks like starting in 2023 this vaccine is free under medicare.

However if I were to get it this year, it falls under part D and I would have

a vig copay. Absolutely ridiculous.