New Shingrix Vaccine

[SueAB]

My 93 year old Mom just developed shingles and I would not wish that on my worst enemy now that I see what it is. I have not had my shingles vaccine, because the original was a live virus. I am seriously considering the new Shingrix vaccine for shingles that is not a live virus. Has anyone else received the new vaccine? How did you make out?

[kdali]

So sorry about you mom! I’be not had it, but I do need to make sure my mom has!

[jimeka]

My mum had it in her eye, it was awful. 🦋

[erash in reply to jimeka]

Yes! Shingles in the eye can be a medical emergency

[greaterexp]

I’ve been wondering about it, too. Insurance won’t pay until I’m 60, which is crazy. Considering the incredible pain I’ve seen in patients with shingles (one was suicidal!), I’m thinking about getting it, even if insurance won’t pay. I wasn’t to excited about the older vaccine and hope the newer one is effective.

[Frances_B]

I can't comment on live vs non-live shingles vaccinations but because I have some other health issues which make infections a serious risk for me I had the live one late last year when my Doctor recommended I be vaccinated against shingles (the non-live one wasn't available in my country). She did warn me that it can knock you around a bit and to time it for when I was having a "good" patch - but I sailed through with no problems. I've also had the 23 strain pneumococcal one as well - and that caused a bigger reaction site on my arm than the shingles one did !!!

It would be worth your while having a look at your own MSAA web-page on vaccinations - they have some really good info on it. And discuss what vaccinations you should have with your own treating doctors.

[erash in reply to Frances_B]

MSSA gives approval to consider the shingrix vaccine

[Elizt3]

I had the first Shingrix in June and had no reactions to it. The second shot is given two to six months after the first. I’ve had shingles twice, so I’m happy there is a vaccine we can get.

[erash]

I was just about to get it...then I developed shingles 😬

And now it's too close to when I start the Ocrevus infusions. Otherwise, yes, I'd get it. In addition to not a live virus, it's more effective than the older Zostavax vaccine, but it is a 2 shot series- initial and 2 mos later

[Lilith08 in reply to erash]

Yikes! Can you get shingles later on if you’ve already had it once? I guess so, as the virus never leaves. Never thought about that!

[erash in reply to Lilith08]

Yes,The risk of getting shingles a second or third time is the same as the risk of getting it initially. Obviously decreased risk if you’ve had the vaccine

[kdali in reply to erash]

When will you get it then, now that you are on O?

[erash in reply to kdali]

I’m not sure how you coordinate vaccines when you’re already starting the infusions? Do you know?

[kdali in reply to erash]

Nope. Since my Hep B vaccine titer came back low, I’m wondering if and when I need to get my booster. I’ll see my neurologist in a few weeks and hopefully I’ll remember to ask her then.

[erash]

Yes,The risk of getting shingles a second or third time is the same as the risk of getting it initially. Obviously decreased risk if you’ve had the vaccine

[SueAB]

Thanks for all your great comments - you guys are the best!

[kycmary]

Hi SueAB I need to get it too I am not sure if I want too.

[bavery207]

I am 68. I had the old shingles shot before I was dx with MS. I recently had the first of the two Shingrix shots. I had asked my MS Dr. and he said it was fine for me to have the shots and they should not be effected by my Ocrevus. But I had read somewhere that it shouldn't be given right after an O. infusion. So I opted to have it about 6 weeks before my next O, infusion. I will do the same with shot two. The only side effect I had was a sore arm for a couple of days.