shingles vaccine

[bunnycaramel]

no you can't have the shingles as it is a live vaccine. You don't get offered the shingles vaccine until you are 70

[AgedCrone]

You must have missed our recent discussion…….see below from NHS England. There is now a non live vaccine suitable for everybody.

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.

[bunnycaramel in reply to AgedCrone]

Oh ok I didn't know this Im 63 so will be eligible for this in September

[AgedCrone in reply to bunnycaramel]

Yes now you just need to wait now for your GP to to let you know when your practice is starting to do these Shingles vaccinations.

[TheBoys in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank goodness for this. My partner had shingles last year and it was awful.

[Green230461 in reply to AgedCrone]

Great news 🍀

[vonniesims]

My surgery bought some in for me when I requested it. I don't suppose they have been doing many Shingrex

[Lewsdon in reply to vonniesims]

Yes,When I had them they had to be ordered in by the surgery..Also with Shindrix you have two ,a few weeks apart.

[Lolabridge in reply to Lewsdon]

It’s two MONTHS (8 weeks) apart for Shingrix jabs.

[Lolabridge]

Yes I had my second Shingrix jab yesterday. I had to wait until I reached 70 to qualify but as AC wrote above it is to be made available earlier now.

[bunnycaramel in reply to Lolabridge]

I have not been told anything about this vaccine by my surgery. I usually need to fight for everything I need. I will wait and see. I have had shingles in the past which I I was very unwell so don't really want them again

[Runrig01]

it will depend which immunosuppressants your on. Most dmards don’t qualify, although methotrexate >20mg is included. Here’s the book which the gps use, it tells you which meds are included. Biologics and Jak inhibitors are included.

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[bunnycaramel in reply to Runrig01]

I take a biologic and methotrexate 20mg so fit the criteria

[Sheila_G]

You can have a non live shingles vaccine. I had one 7 weeks ago and going for my second one next week.

[bunnycaramel in reply to Sheila_G]

I'm 63 so don't qualify until September

[Gnarli]

Trying to get ahead of the curve, I was at the doctors' anyway, and asked if I could book the shingles vaccine. The receptionist's computer said no but, bless her, she asked someone who gave the ok. So it's shingrix on 5th September for me. Happy days😁

[bunnycaramel in reply to Gnarli]

Maybe I should do the same but I will have a feeling I will have difficulty getting it from past experience

[Gnarli in reply to bunnycaramel]

That sounds awful. No harm in trying I suppose. I'll wish you luck

[CagneysMum]

Hi

I believe that’s changing from September this year. There is now a non-live vaccine available that will be offered to people who are severely immune compromised.

Gov advice on shingles vaccine

[kimmypoos]

Can someone clarify for me if >20mg methotrexate means 20mg and over, or over 20mg (i.e. 25mg)? I'm currently on 20mg so not sure if I will be eligible come September, but would like to have the vaccine if possible. Thanks!

[Boxerlady in reply to kimmypoos]

I'm in the same position so planning to as my consultant tomorrow. If I forget (!) I'll message my surgery as they are very good.

[Lolabridge in reply to kimmypoos]

The symbol > means greater than (but not including) if there is another line under that arrow as well then it means greater than or equal to. 😊

[Boxerlady in reply to Lolabridge]

I'm sure that's technically correct however it does seem a little prescriptive so I'm wondering if there might be some leeway 🤔 After all, you'd think that the patient's weight might affect how much the Methotrexate dose affects them; as a relatively slim female I feel that 20mg is a higher dose for me than it would be for a heavier man.....

[Lolabridge in reply to Boxerlady]

I know it’s correct (retired maths teacher!)

But I agree I hope there could be some leeway.

[kimmypoos in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks for confirming,I suspected as much! I'm actually seeing my consultant face to face for the first time since before covid at the end of the month so will ask him if there's any wiggle room 🤞

[bunnycaramel]

I would say 20mg and over

[Lolabridge in reply to bunnycaramel]

see my post above

[Jackie1947]

I was under 70