Shingles vaccine! Which one??

[jointpain]

Hi, my wife has MF and a year ago suffered from Shingles, which still causes a little itching around the back of the head where the blisters were. She has been offered a vaccination against shingles, by her GP. There are two available, one is a live vaccine the other isn't. As she doesn't have a spleen, which should she have, she has the choice, Shingrix or Zostavax.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

is your wife taking any medication for her MF, if she is she cannot have any live vaccine, if you are in any doubt you should speak to her haematology nurse specialist for advice. Best wishes, Maz

[EPguy]

MPNs in general are advised to avoid live vaxes, my Dr has advised as such.

But the choice should be easy anyway, the old live vax doesn't work that well and:

"Zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020."

cdc.gov/shingles/vaccinatio...

Other countries may still be offering it but we have two reasons to select the other option, Shingrix. I got the new one even as I'd already had the old since Dr said the old one is not very protective.

If your wife is on or might go on Rux the Shingls vax is a really good idea if Dr is suggesting it. Rux increases odds of getting shingles as members here have found.

[AndyKay]

My primary doctor said I should get the Shingrix because it is more effective. I had it last week and was very sick for a couple of days. I'm glad I did get it because I had rather have a shot than the shingles. I've heard they are very painful.

[Solyesh]

As everyone has stated, in general MPNers avoid live vaccines but my MPN specialist and GP agreed that Shingrix is more effective anyway. Will say the first shot knocked me around for 2 days (flu like symptoms and pretty intense muscle/body aches) - second one wasn't as bad....