Shingles Vaccine

[CagneysMum]

I have RA and am currently taking hydroxychloroquin, methotrexate and amgevita.

I’m trying to work out whether at age 61 with a compromised immune system, I will qualify for the new shingrix (shingles non-live) vaccine on the NHS?

Does anyone know?

[Madmusiclover]

looks like it.

Info on Shingrix

[CagneysMum in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thanks… I searched but couldn’t find this information. 👍

[Madmusiclover in reply to CagneysMum]

You are welcome. From September I believe.

[AgedCrone]

11 July 2023

From NHS England Patient care

Almost a million more people (900,000) will become eligible for a shingles vaccination from September, the NHS announced today.

Anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and over 50 will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine – currently the vaccine is only available to those over 70.

From 1 September 2023, those turning 65 and 70 will also be able to get the vaccine after their birthday, in addition to those already aged 70-80. Patients will be contacted by their GP practice when they become eligible.

Eligibility will then be expanded to include those 60 and up by September 2033.

[helixhelix in reply to AgedCrone]

But I don’t think we are severely immunocompromised? Isn’t that for transplant patients and people on high dose steroids?

[emmajj1971 in reply to helixhelix]

The medication that's used to treat RA are immune suppressants so yes we are

[helixhelix in reply to emmajj1971]

Yes but only rituximab causes someone to be severely immune suppressed, the others are more immune compromising. Thankfully or we would all be living very differently. .

[emmajj1971 in reply to helixhelix]

I didn't know that. Isn't shingles a live vaccine? As my father had it when he was 70 and he had to stay away from me as I'm on rituximab so how are we going to be able to have it.

[CagneysMum in reply to emmajj1971]

From what I’ve read there are two vaccines available now for shingles and only one is ‘live’.

[helixhelix in reply to emmajj1971]

This newer Shingrix vaccine is not live.

[Lewsdon in reply to emmajj1971]

The vaccine we can have is.Non Live,Shindrix.You have two vaccines several weeks apart.Sometimes Doctors do not stock it so have to order it.

[Twitty999 in reply to emmajj1971]

The Shingrix vaccine is Non-live. I’m on Rituximab infusions & had my first Shingrix vaccination 2 weeks ago & I have a second one in a couple of weeks time.

[AgedCrone in reply to helixhelix]

I thought that, but if you look at the NHS site RA is included!

[bienassis in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks for that info, AC. I've been waiting to hear something of the sort but had no idea it was imminent.

I'm not severely immunosuppressed - I only take a low dose of methotrexate - but have been refused the vaccine because it was "live". So, I shall look forward to a call from the GP.

Thanks again.

[AgedCrone in reply to bienassis]

I was exactly the opposite….my previous GP Practice Nurse wrote..& phoned me for years virtually ordering me to be vaccinated…. this was before Shingrix was available. Every year I either explained very politelyI couldn’t have a live virus vaccination….or replied in writing saying the same. Eventually she wrote a letter virtually telling me I could be “very ill, even die”if I kept refusing the vaccination.

At that point I gave up…..eventually I did get Shingles, luckily only mildly.I was so tempted to write & say “Got it & I’m still here”!

But in the present state of GP practices…I’d give it a couple of months after the end of September ..then if you don’t hear anything ask if your practice has started Shingrix vaccinating yet.

PS ..I’m afraid I’ve just seen…..like me you are too old to get the Shingrix Shingles vaccine.It isn’t given to anybody over 80 as apparently it doesn’t work too well on our age group.

[bienassis in reply to AgedCrone]

Oh dear! I might have guessed! At our age we have missed out on so many things. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed that I don't bump up against anyone with chicken pox. An old acquaintance managed to get infected when looking after a grandchild with chicken pox, and she suffered from the after effects for the rest of her life.

You were lucky to have only a mild infection - it's a nasty experience.

Lovely sunny day here in West Kent - cool though. But aren't we lucky not to be on fire like more southerly parts of Europe.

Keep well.

bienassis x

[AgedCrone in reply to bienassis]

I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you. I have absolutely no idea how I picked it up.

You are right we are lucky not to be on fire…it was lovely & warm & sunny here this morning. I was out in the garden and planted 50 more Violas….hoping they will bloom through the winter like the ones I planted last year!

But now it is freezing cold & pouring with icy rain, I’ve turned the central heating on and the rest of the garden will have to look after itself until it gets warmer! But I did find 6 tomatoes just turning red so there must have been enough sun for that!

You take care!

[medway-lady]

I believe so but check with your GP.

[AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady]

If you look on nhs.co.uk …..Shingles Vaccine Overview it’s all explained .

[99Michelle]

I was at rheumatology last week and the doctor told me about this and that I would qualify, I’m 54 and take metoject, Amgevita and sulfasalazine

[Runrig01]

Yes we do qualify. Here is the green book chapter, which is the gps bible re immunisation. It lists all meds included, it comes into effect 1st September.

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[Boxerlady in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for that - very useful.

It looks like those of us on DMARDS rather than biologics/JAKS won't be eligible but at 63, I won't personally have to wait as long as before.

Having seen my Mum have a nasty experience with Shingles many years ago, I'm keen to have the vaccine when eligible.

[Runrig01 in reply to Boxerlady]

If you’re on > 20mg MTX you qualify, and Azathioprine at >3mg/kg. Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine are only included if taken in combination with prednisolone >7.5mg.

May be worth speaking to your gp, as they may feel given your history to make an exception. It’s worth a try 🤗

[stbernhard]

If you are on MTX you must insist on Shingryx.I had Pneumovac and Shingryx together. You definitely qualify.

[Boxerlady in reply to stbernhard]

I'm only on 20mg Methotrexate but will check thanks

[Hightower62 in reply to Boxerlady]

Hi, how did you get on. I’m on 20mg MTX and have just been refused Shingrix by my GP and Rheumatology as the the Green book states that you have to be on over 20mg to be eligible.

Talk about splittIng hairs! but I guess rules are rules and there has to be a cut off somewhere.

[CagneysMum in reply to Hightower62]

I’m only on 10mg methotrexate but also inject a biologic and take hydroxychloroquin. I’m booked in for my shingrix/shingles vaccination in just over a week.

[Hightower62 in reply to CagneysMum]

Thank you for replying, I probably should have said that I am only taking MTX. I believe the rules are different for various combinations of medication.

[Boxerlady in reply to Hightower62]

I haven't checked yet. I'm just starting a busy (for me!) patch work-wise so don't really want it ATM anyway. Once things are quieter I might contact the surgery but they're usually very good so I suspect that they'll contact me if I'm eligible. Obviously I'll bring it up if I have an appointment for some reason.

[Hightower62 in reply to Boxerlady]

Thank you for replying.

[Boxerlady in reply to Hightower62]

I've just seen the clinic letter my rheumy consultant has sent to the surgery following my consultation in August ( I mentioned the Shingle jab to her but she hadn't heard that the rules were changing) and she has told them that it would be a good idea for me so hopefully that will get things moving 😉

[Hightower62 in reply to Boxerlady]

Hopefully you’ll get it then 🤞

[----54]

When I began MTX injections, I recall reading that patients using it had a higher risk of developing shingles. One would hope that the shingles vaccine would mitigate that risk somewhat—just thought I’d mention it in case anyone is on the fence about get the vaccine and wants to speak with their MDs/pharmacist.

I’m in the States, and I believe that we’ve had access to Shingrix for quite sometime. I’ve heard of many non-immunosuppressed people having a strong reaction to the shots. As with other vaccines I’ve had since being immunosuppressed, I only had a sore shoulder—no other symptoms at all, if that helps anyone overcome fear of side effects.

Take good care

[seabreezegirl]

Qualify ?

All Sr Citizens are supposed to get it .

[gardens4]

Hi, I am almost the same age at 63 and I have RA. I have just had a painful bought of Shingles and have been told I will be eligible for the vaccine in September. Hope this helps. Just an update this was correct my vaccine has been booked for September. I know all doctors are different but just ask.

[gardens4]

It had been only for over 70 year old up until now.

[Twitty999]

I think you will be, at least for being immune compromised, but I think your age will get you it too. I’m 73 & immune compromised & had my first one a couple of weeks ago with second one due in a few weeks time .. good luck 🤞🏼

[Quinn83]

I have had RA for 16 years and started JAK inhibitor Filgotinib/Jyseleca February 2023. Prior to starting that I had to have 2 doses of shingrix (non-live) vaccine. I had the first dose in November and the second dose (has to be 8 weeks later) in the first week of January. I am 58 and I had this done on the NHS. My rheumatology team liaised with my GP surgery to authorise and arrange this. Both my GP and rheumatology teams are brilliant!

[Poshcards]

it will be over 65's x

[jeffersonsam99]

If your health care expert or doctor is allowed to take shingles vaccine, then you go head.