MS & Shingles vaccine

[Midnight-Blue]

I was reading several of older posts regarding the shingles vaccine for people having MS. They have a new vaccine out that’s supposed to be so much better. Have no idea if it’s from a live culture (or whatever ) so interested in your take on the subject now.

[greaterexp]

The new vaccine is not a live vaccine, is evidently much safer, and importantly, is more effective, from what I've read. It is given in two doses. I had it last year when it was extremely hard to get, and I'm so glad I did. People who take immunosuppressant meds should talk with their doctors about the timing.

[Sukie427]

It's called Shingrix and it is NOT a live vaccine. As greaterexp said, it is given in 2 doses which can't be more than 6 months apart. I did have it last year before I started on Ocrevus. My arm got sore from one of them, but I can't recall which one! Other than that, I had no reaction and neither did my husband. I do know friends who have had shingles, and to a person they have all said it was the worst pain ever. If you've had chickenpox, you should think about it and ask your dr.!

[Ali_B62 in reply to Sukie427]

Thank you for this information as I think I am due to have the vaccine next year. No doubt I will have to insist on getting the dead virus vaccine as I did with Polio vaccine years ago. I have my MS issues but don't want to risk getting any worse!😊

[mrsmike9]

I had shingles. Nasty stuff! So I got the older vaccine. Then they came out with the new, 2 part one. I had one and was feverish all night but fine in the morning. Two weeks later I had part 2 and had an even worse fever. It was worth it as I don't have to worry about shingles anymore.

[Sukie427 in reply to mrsmike9]

Do they think that maybe you had such a reaction because you already had shingles? All I can say is that if you are already comparing having shingles to the reaction you got from the Shingrix and being grateful you took the Shingrix, I made the right choice! So sorry that happened to you and that you stay safe and well!

[Midnight-Blue in reply to mrsmike9]

Thanx everyone. I asked my PC about getting the vaccine for Shingles and would you believe he doesn’t give it! I have to go to a pharmacist! Good grief! My PC has a LARGE practice, too. Guess next time I pick up a prescription I’ll ask. (The VA does give it but at a city quite a distance away.) You’d think with all the advertising they have been doing about the vaccine they would make things easier!

[mrsmike9 in reply to Midnight-Blue]

Yes, I had it at a pharmacy as well.