Shingles Vaccine, MS & DMT's: Hi All, How... - My MSAA Community

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Shingles Vaccine, MS & DMT's

DM0329 profile image
20 Replies

Hi All,

How many of you have had the Shingles Vaccine? My PCP encouraged me to get it (the newer, double dose vaccine) because he told me that I was at greater risk than the general population to get Shingles. He then went on to explain that having MS and being immune compromised/suppressed makes it more likely to "awaken" the chicken-pox virus in later years and contract Shingles.

My Medicare Supplement would not cover getting the vaccine at his office, but it would pay for it if I find a pharmacy to get the vaccine. He told me that it was a double-dose vaccine too. Since we just had this conversation, I'm guessing I have at least one year before I have to deal with his "disappointment" with his patient/me if I continue to wait to get it. LOL

So, how many of you have had it? What was your experience like? Side effects, etc. Thanks, in advance, for sharing your experiences. Be Well. 🙂🤞

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20 Replies
Kenu profile image
Kenu

I had the shingles vaccine 💉 when it first came out about 4 years ago and it was the double jab. The only side effect I had was a sore arm for a couple of days. Wasn’t bad at all and I had it done at Albertsons supermarket pharmacy. Good luck it’s a great idea to have done ✅ My brother in law had shingles twice and it was terrible 😣

Helpmeup profile image
Helpmeup

I got the two dose Shingrix vaccine about a year ago. I went to a Walgreens pharmacy and my co-pay for both shots was $10. The first jab left me with a sore arm, the second one left me with lots of aches and pain and weakness for about four days, but it was well worth it. I had a few family members who got hit with shingles and went through a horrible time. My aunt suffered terribly for years after shingles with nerve damage that caused severe pain.

I did ask my neurologist if it was ok for me to take the shingles vaccine, and she said absolutely! Shingles can be a beast and effects can last years. I'm glad I got the shots.

Greentime profile image
Greentime

I had shingles twice. Not the worst cases, but awful nonetheless. If I remember correctly, the old vaccine was live, not good, the new one is not. I got the vaccine as soon as I could! I had a sore arm for one of the doses and that is all. I have not had shingles since. IMHO you do not want to risk getting it, the bad cases are life altering.

Wtfisup profile image
Wtfisup

I’m so happy you posted this! I’ve been waiting to get vaccine because it wasn’t covered. At $200+, it wasn’t an option. I’m now 60 on SSDI and website states it is covered now. Risk vs reward? Reward wins. I’m going to attempt getting it at Walgreens. Shingles, even if it’s a light eruption, is not something I want to add to my medical repertoire. I should’ve done this as soon as it was available through Medicare. Thank you for helping me stay as healthy as possible.

kdali profile image
kdali

I had to have both before starting Mavenclad. The first was nothing, and the second one was a bit rough for a few days, but no increase in MS issues. I got mine at CVS, and signed a form that said I had an autoimmune disease because my age is "too young" to get it. You can schedule the time and location online.

AquaZumbaFan profile image
AquaZumbaFan

I had the vaccine earlier this year. It came in a two-part injection spaced apart… The first one was not a big deal… I just got really cold at one point, and of course a sore arm but the second one I developed a lymph node under my right arm that was about the size of a small baseball in the beginning… It developed the evening after I got the shot. The crazy thing it lingered, and my dermatologist got me to go to a surgeon. He told me not to worry about it and eventually it should resolve somewhat. It is still there a bit, but not nearly as large as it was.

Cutefreckles72 profile image
Cutefreckles72

I had chicken pox so I will be getting the shingles vaccine. My mother had shingles, and it was not a good look.

Amore55 profile image
Amore55

I got the shingles vaccine about seven years ago and was thrilled to get it. No problems with it at all, except a bit of soreness at the injection site.

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom

I'm going to talk to my family Dr about getting this when I see her for my yearly visit. My grandpa had it at the age of 77 or 78 and it was just awful for him. Also, I had chicken pox growing up.

Mollyabigail profile image
Mollyabigail

I had the shingles vaccine(s). No side effects, except for a sore arm for 3-4 days. Poor Walgreens pharmacist - he was a big, strong guy, a former linebacker type. I fussed for days that he didn't know his strength (the first shot). Later, a nurse told me it is a "tough" shot, and it does cause a fairly sore arm. Ok, I take back all the bad names I called him the day after that first injection. So, I went back for the 2nd injection some months later, and who do you think walked in? The former linebacker! But with the 2nd shot, I was prepared and took my Tylenol, etc. for a few days. He and hubby talked (American) football, and bonded over sports, as men often do.

Juliew19673 profile image
Juliew19673

I had 1 shot of the shingles 2 shot vaccination, but it made me so horribly sick my Doc said I could skip the 2nd. The covid shot was the same I'm now afraid of any vaccination... I've turned into a snow flake and hate this disease...

ekelks profile image
ekelks in reply toJuliew19673

Aw, sorry you had such a tough time. i had a bad reaction to my second covid shot too, but only lasted a day.

if you read about the nastiness of shingles Maybe you'll scare yourself into the second shot.

best of luck

Tazmanian profile image
Tazmanian

Try CVS

RBJR profile image
RBJR

I asked my neurologist and she said as long as it is at least 30 days prior to my next Ocrevus infusion I can get it. Not sure about your situation, but she stated the Shingrix vaccine is the one I needed to get.

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9

I've had shingles (horrible!) so when the shot came out I got it. Then it was updated with the double shot and I didn't hesitate! It made me feel rather sick overnight (same as the Covid shots) but if I had to, I'd do it again! Shingles was So painful!

falalalala profile image
falalalala

I've had shingles but have no plans to get a vaccine.

Wtfisup profile image
Wtfisup

Just following up. Got the shingles shot that day. CDC information stated symptoms usually last 2-3 days. The only thing I experienced was redness and swelling where it was given along with mild pain in that area. I’ve been told the 2nd one usually has a higher incidence of symptoms. I’ll be getting it in October.

MrStripey profile image
MrStripey

Had it and didn't experience anything out of the ordinary. Since shingles can be debilitating for years, possibly the rest of one's life, I was all about getting the vaccine.

ekelks profile image
ekelks

i had it, the two-barrelled one. nothing bad happened. i am petrified of getting shingles. i know 2 people who had them, one a co-worker many yrs ago, she was out for months.

then the mother of my mother's friend, she was elderly when she got them, was never the same again. in terrible pain.

i'm a strong believer in vaccinations, btw. wish they'd create one for MS. If it's related to the Epstein-Barr virus, maybe one day they will.

itasara profile image
itasara

I had both shingles vaccines; not sure when but shortly after it became available at local pharmacy. I think I had a sore arm first time. Maybe second time as well. No major problems with the vaccines or with my MS. I stopped DMT med in 2019. Have no progression, no active brain lesions

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