Shingles jab

[nanalyn22]

Hi all, l am new on here. I have Methotrexate injections (last 6 years ). I have an appointment for my yearly RA check up with my GP also to have my flu/pneumonia and shingles jab. Dr looking into whether l can have the shingles jab or not on Methotrexate, has anyone had it.

[julie1908]

Thank you for this post as my GP surgery messaged me asking me to have a shingles jab and reading your post made me check online if it’s ok to have it while on enbrel and apparently you can’t. You think my GP would know this 🤷‍♀️

[Lolabridge in reply to julie1908]

Unfortunately many GPs don’t know that much about RA. Always consult your Rheumy team if you are not sure.

[Knip in reply to julie1908]

It's always best to check. I think the problem lies in the fact that GPs have to know a reasonable amount about a great deal of ailments and so can't be experts in everything. Mine always check by ringing the hospital if they are, unsure. Take care and keep smiling if you can, even through gritted teeth when the pain gets too much!

[Pinkypie2018]

I think the shingles jab is a live vaccine so we can't get it. Best to check with your rheumatologist.

[DRunnerchick in reply to Pinkypie2018]

The Shingrix vaccine is Not live if that is the one being given.

[achyknitter]

While speaking to someone from NRAS the other day I was told that there is now a non-live shingles vaccine which those on methotrexate can have. Some GP surgeries may have to get this in especially for you but it is now available.

[nanalyn22 in reply to achyknitter]

Thank you l will ask about it

[Nadine-NRAS]

A letter from NHS England and Public Health England on 18 August confirmed that GP practices could offer the non-live shingles vaccine Shingrix to patients eligible for vaccination against shingles but for whom the live Zostavax jab is contraindicated 'due to their immunocompromised status'.

The non-live Shingrix, a two dose vaccine, was backed for rollout to immunocompromised patients in the UK by the JCVI in 2018 - but sufficient supplies have only now become available for it to be included as part of the UK shingles vaccination campaign.

The vaccine will be offered via a proactive call to those becoming eligible at 70 years old and will be offered opportunistically or if requested for those over 70 years until the age of 80.

Officials have warned that Shingrix must be 'given only to those who are clinically contraindicated for Zostavax due to their immunocompromised status in order to have sufficient supply for those who need to receive it'.

[julie1908 in reply to Nadine-NRAS]

I was 59 when they offered it to me so not sure why I got the message.

[Honeyxx]

Had a shingrix vac last week. They had it on order already. On methotrexate and it was fine.

[Sheila_G]

Thank you. Great post. Great replies. I knew nothing about this. Thanks everyone.

[Hodc]

And having had shingles, at the start of the year, you definitely don't want it. I'm still suffering from the after effects!

[cropredy]

Good Morning nanalyn22, I was told I could not have the shingles jab because it is a live vaccine and that was from my doctor, hope this helps.

[nanalyn22 in reply to cropredy]

Good morning, yes thank you, l have had many helpful responses and so grateful. It's the first time on this site and l must say it has made me feel better being able to talk to people with ra. Take care

[ABwn]

As someone has already said - some good information and advice on these posts. Thank you.

[nanalyn22]

Thanks for all the help and advice, l am truly grateful

[medway-lady]

I was too young to get the vaccine and got hospitalised with Shingles which paralysed my left knee and the pain was extra ordinary. So get whatever you can even come off the MTX if necessary as although it might mean a flare the Shingles pain makes RA pain seem like a sting by a nettle. Shingles is agony and the antiviral has to be taken within a couple of days of getting the first symptoms and these days as its so hard to see a GP you might not get the Aciclovar in time to prevent serious attack. I'm still on preventative Aciclovar some 3 years on from the first attack and still get perphipal nerve pain in spine, buttocks and down left backing the groin. I know we are all different and some may not get it so badly but for me it was like being tortured by hot irons and only Pregabalin offered some relief but it never really stopped all the pain and is very hard to taper off.