shingrix

[Michali45]

I am nearly 79 and have been dx with ET since 2021 and on hydroxycarbamide and low dose aspirin. I got shingles in June 2022 and it was pretty awful for about 4 months and my foot still has nerve damage. I have been advised to have the Shingrix vaccine and I feel I should, but I'm quite scared of the possible side effects being older and immune compromised. Has anyone here had the vaccine and how did you tolerate it, please?

[DJK12]

I had both the Shringrix jabs this year. I'm 70, with Post ET MF and on Ruxolitinib. My arm was a bit sore but not as bad as from the covid ones. I was also a bit more tired than usual the next day for about 24 hours. I was very glad to have them done.

[Michali45 in reply to DJK12]

Thank you! That is very encouraging!

[Rem31]

I had shingles some years ago when relatively fit and healthy. It was a nasty experience and with that mind I asked for the Shringrix vaccine as soon as I became eligible. My reaction to both jabs lasted maybe 24 hours and was negligible when compared to the real thing.

[Michali45 in reply to Rem31]

thank you so much. I am pretty sure I will take it.

[EPguy]

I had it three years ago. I was on HU for PV. It hurt more going in than the covid vax. And some flu-like feelings a couple days after each. But well worth it vs getting shingles.

Be sure that any other vaxes (flu, covid etc) you get are at least two weeks apart from this one and from each other.

[Michali45 in reply to EPguy]

Thank you!

[Kdavie12]

Hello! I had my second dose on the 28th December and apart from a little sore arm, less sore than the covid jab, I was fine and I am grateful for it.

[Michali45 in reply to Kdavie12]

Thanks!

[Maurabawn]

Hi there! I just want to echo all the above comments. I had both doses last year and so pleased to have had them. For me the only after effect was a sore arm which I get with all jabs!

[Michali45 in reply to Maurabawn]

Thank you

[mlkirchoff]

I had the 2-dose shingles vaccine, the second on the same day as several other vaccines, including one of the Covid variants, and I felt tired for a day but no other issues.

[Michali45 in reply to mlkirchoff]

Thank you!

[lizzziep]

I’m 71, post ET MF, I had the shingles jab as soon as I was 70. Just make sure you don’t get the live vaccine one, but your health provider should know. I had a bit of a sore arm after, but that’s all. The nurse did say it won’t stop me getting shingles but it shouldn’t be bad if I do.

[Michali45 in reply to lizzziep]

Thanks!

[MPNBlog]

Hi Michali45, there's good advice here. I'd agree with EP Guy, don't have any other vax on the same day. On the second dose I had quite a strong (allergic) reaction with a large welt on my arm for about half my upper arm that was hot, a bit hard and eventually sort of blistered. I had to take Clarytyne for 3 days. I felt reasonably ok in myself (a bit of a temp), but I wouldn't have wanted to have another vax to cope with as well. Only have the new Shingrix variety (2 doses 6 months apart) . The old single dose live Zostavax isn't suitable for people with MPNs, and is much, much less effective especially for older people (do a bit of a google if you're interested). I agree with others it's much preferable to getting Shingles - again for you. All the best.

[Michali45 in reply to MPNBlog]

Thank you!

[Plavers]

Hi, I’m 74 with ET Jak 2 on HydroxyCarbamide and Apixaban blood thinner, like you I had Shingles and have still got residual nerve after effects, but mine in the face. I had the Shingrix vaccine and had no real problems apart from a little tiredness. Best of luck to you.

[Michali45 in reply to Plavers]

Thank you

[Mufftreacs]

I am 83, live in Australia and have MF. Nothing to be afraid of except a slightly sore arm. I am not surprised you are nervous having had 4 months of problems with shingles. I take Ruxolitinb and was nervous too but better than shingles itself.

Katie

[Michali45 in reply to Mufftreacs]

Thank you!

[DEGate]

Hi, my husband is also on hydroxy & low dose aspirin and had no trouble with Shingrix, all the best

[Michali45 in reply to DEGate]

Thank you

[Zoebowie]

hello. I was diagnosed with ET in January and on hydroxy and aspirin. I am in the UK and had a shingles vaccine in April. I had previously had my first dose last November and was due a second dose six months later but by that stage my circumstances had changed so I asked both my haematologist and doctor if it was ok for me to have the second dose and I was told yes as it wasn’t a live vaccine this year. I don’t know where you’re based but perhaps speak to your doctor or haematologist and ask if it’s a live vaccine or not and get their advice. I tolerated the vaccine I got well apart from a sore arm for a few days.

[Michali45 in reply to Zoebowie]

Yes, the vaccine is now the two dose Shingrix. I've been told the live vaccine has been withdrawn from the market .

[Lemon123]

I'm 68, with ET, and on aspirin and hydroxycarbamide. I had both Shingrix jabs, 8 weeks apart, earlier this year. Only side effect was a tender arm for a couple of days. Glad I've had them. Wishing you well.

[ainslie]

Shingrix works, it’s allegedly more than 90% effective, my arm was a little uncomfortable for a few days , I am allegedly immune compromised (not convinced) because I am on high dose Rux for PV but no problems with Shingrix, shingles is definitely no fun.

[Bridger26]

I would echo what’s been said in the other replies. I have post PV MF and now on Rux. Was advised to have Shingrix and had both doses 8weeks apart earlier this year. No problems -usual sore arm but not as bad as Covid jags. I had shingles about 12 years ago and was happy to try to prevent or lessen effects of another bout.

[gjh8733]

I am 67 and have PCV. I took shingrix in March with booster in March as was starting Jakafi

The first injection was painful at the injection site and also gave me flu like symptoms for 2-3 days. The booster shot was very mild.

[gjh8733]

sorry I mistyped in my response as booster was in May

[Mtnlife]

I am 73 and diagnosed with ET. I take the same medications as you plus some additional. I had the shingles vaccine last year. Other than a sore arm I had no adverse side effects.

[Michali45 in reply to Mtnlife]

Thanks!

[Cookiewoman]

I had the Shingrix vaccine a couple of years ago, when I was 67, slight discomfort for a couple of days but my mom had Shingles on her eye and suffered with the pain and complications for years till she passed. I was relived when I received them.

[Blackroc]

I am 76. I had Shingrix vax about two years ago. I had also had Shingles in the past. Slight discomfort but well worth it for peace of mind.

[Michali45]

definitely!

[Musicluvr]

I have PV and had the vaccine while on Aspirin and Hydroxyurea. The first vaccine , I only had a sore arm. With the 2nd vaccine , I had low grade fever , chills, muscle aches and felt very bad for 2 days. I am glad that I got the vaccine series ,as the side effects I experienced are still not as bad as having shingles.

Best wishes to you

[JanetF-PV]

Hello, Michali! I had shingles last September and the virus got into my cerebrospinal fluid and then into my brain, where it caused viral meningitis - not a good experience! Unfortunately, the Shingrix vaccine isn’t available where I live, so I had to wait until I was next in Europe to be able to have it. I had the first dose in Spain and had no adverse reaction. I had been advised to leave a gap of a month between the two doses, so I brought the second one back to Kenya in a cool-chain pack and had it done here, and had a sore arm for about a week afterwards. I have PV and a massive list of comorbidites and around 30 carefully balanced daily medications, which are very easily unbalanced, so for the Shingrix vaccine to have had so little effect was a real relief, and if it stops me getting shingles again or means that I get a much milder form, it’s got to be worth it! Wishing you the best of luck with yours!

[Michali45 in reply to JanetF-PV]

oh wow! That sounds awful! My shingles was on my leg and foot and I still have nerve damage but that is not nearly as scary as yours. I had my first shingrix shot nearly two weeks ago and was fine. No side effects at all. In fact I made the nurse a card that said 'I survived the shingrix shot' as she was concerned it might wipe me out for a few days! Thanks for replying. I wish you well!

[Solyesh]

As soon as I (pre-fibrotic PMF/ET) turned 50, I went for the vaccine as I had a few friends who had suffered through shingles (one who had a horrific experience). I usually do not have vaccine reactions but the first Shingles vaccine threw me for a loop - I purposefully scheduled the shot for a Friday and was glad I did. Felt like I had a very bad flu (with sore muscles) for 2 days. The second shot was not bad at all. Still very glad I did it (definitely don't want shingles). Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness remains high for up to a decade - so will look to another shot possibly at 60

[JanetF-PV]

Thank you. I’m glad you are so well after your first shot - long may it continue!

[JanetF-PV in reply to JanetF-PV]

Sorry - that should have appeared as a reply to your reply to me, Michali45. It’s my first attempt to do that here and a complete failure! 🙄

[Michali45 in reply to JanetF-PV]

I find replying here a bit of a challenge sometimes! Yes, I'm glad I had the shot.