Hi just a quick question regarding the Shingles Vaccine. I spoke to a GP on the phone today & asked about having the Shingles Vaccine. She told me that she dosnt think im eligible. I told her I think I am. She said you don’t qualify just because your are on Methotrexate I told her I'm not on Methotrexate im on Biologics & have been for 20 years. I believe that makes me eligible. Im 68 years old.
Has anyone on Biologics my age had the vaccine?
I am 62 on Biologics and I have had the shingles vaccine. See pages 6 & 7 on this link assets.publishing.service.g...
I am 59 and I had the shingles vaccine a few years ago because I got put on Biologics but it didn't agree ,with me, I had an allergic reaction to it, so I was taken off it
According to the Green book (see the link in Titch55’s post everyone over the age of 65 is now eligible. Maybe (politely) point this out to your GP.
As I understand it, the complication with this is that you can now have the shingles vaccine when you have your 65th birthday but if you’re already past that birthday you have to wait. until you’re 70!
It sort of makes sense - and anyway will only apply for the next couple of years by which time everyone over the age of 65 should have been offered it.
Those on dmards cannot have the standard shingles vaccine as it’s live so have to ask for the non-live version.
Of course this all seems to apply to the UK general public and those with RA may get it sooner. I haven’t- and I’m 68 on biologics.
Yes, if you read the advice it says the roll out, for all the population, starts with those people 65 AND 70, not 65 to 70. Its VERY badly written in my view.
And then there's the additional advice regarding immunosuppressed people.
Bit ridiculous really. If you turned 65 after the 1st of September this year you could have it, but if you was already 65 you've got to wait until your 70. Really can't understand the logic in that at all. If you're severely immunosuppressed you can have it if you 50 or over, that's two doses of the Shingrix.
I think you are eligible because you are 50 or older AND ON BIOLOGICS which are immune suppressing drugs. See my reply to Otto!
Yes I’ve looked at it but GP says Biologics don’t qualify 🤷🏻♀️
Your GP is wrong. I'm 53 and got it because it's in the green book recommendations. It's the last category.
I know. My GP is useless unfortunately & we have to fight for everything. I’m sure they get paid by the government for doing them so I don’t understand their issue with it.
there seems to be some confusion amongst GPs about this but you are definitely eligible! I had to explain to several different receptionists (I’m 53) but got there in the end.
Bon
I'm on methotrexate aged 60 and had both shingles and pneumonia vaccines after several text reminders from the NHS. I really don't understand how there can be any confusion amongst GPs. This is basic stuff.
I don't recommend having both simultaneously in each arm as I did. My arms hurt for days after which I've not experienced before. And I felt unwell the day after, but soon recovered.
Lot of confusion was recommended pneumonia Pharmacy said no. Not recommended Shingles one
Thanks. I had the Pneumonia Vaccine a few years ago & that was a battle as the nurse said she was keeping them for over 65’s. I said it’s my 65th birthday in 2 weeks so she eventually let me have it. Not sure why I’m having this battle yet again 🤷🏻♀️
Thanks I did have the Pneumonia one at 65 I asked about the shingles one then but told it was over 70.
The confusion and inconsistent approach is ridiculous. Fingers crossed its sorted for you.
I am 58 and on methotrexate and hydroxy, I have already had the first injection of the vaccine and get the second one on 3rd January. I was told that in September they changed the criteria and many more people are now eligible. I needed a letter from the rheumatology team sent to my GP.
Thanks. I spoke to my Rheumatologist a few weeks ago who told me to get it so maybe I can get a letter.
I had to have mine earlier because I was due to go on biologics. However there is a non live one as well . My advice is to contact your rheumatology dept
Thanks Yes my Rheumatology team told me to get it. I can always go back to them if GP continues to refuse.
Well done!
Having mine in Jan. I’m 64. Your doc is wrong.
I know. Thanks.
I'm 61, only on HCQ and having my second jab today.
nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...
Regardless, you are 68 so you are eligible, see above link.
PS seems that it's only those turning 65 or turning 70 so there's a gap in between which seems odd.
I'm 66 and on methotrexate and was told I'm eligible. Had the non-live injection and will repeat after 8 weeks. Was told people with weakened immune systems should always have the non-live and so should my hubby cos he lives with me but he must wait until he's 70.
Thanks.
Don’t get me started on this one!
As others have pointed out I’m sure you will be eligible 😊. In my case as I am on 20mg MTX and no other qualifying medication I have been advised by my GP and Rheumatology that I am not eligible.
This is apparently because I need to be taking OVER 20mg (See attachment from Green Book). talk about splittIng hairs! I realise there has to be a cut-off but the most annoying thing is that these rules are not being applied consistently as I know of others in different areas who are being offered the vaccine who are just on 20mg MTX.
So I will have to wait for another three years or pay privately at £440 which I am seriously considering. Good luck😊
Same here. The nurse and I poured over the guidance and because I'm ONLY on 20 mg methotrexate I have to wait until 70 (I'm 69). She had reams of paperwork, and she had to make these decisions. I felt sorry for her in the end.
But you are over 65 so you are eligible regardless of what treatment you are or are not having.
Seems that it currently is only those turning 65 or turning 70 who are eligible. Currently a gap in-between.
You should definitely push back as I believe the guidance has recently changed so that all over 65’s are now eligible.
Bless you. I didn’t realise they were that much. Probably why our GP’s havnt sent for me.
I'm only on 10mg per week and was told I could have it.
thanks. Yes that's an issue for you isn't it. The Pneumonia one didnt stop me from being hospitalised with Pneumonia unfortunately. Its a lot to pay though. 🤞 you dont need it.
Thank you 😊
I'm on Mtx (10mg) and Cimzia and I got a text from NHS saying I was eligible . Without the biologic I understand I wouldn't have been, as the mtx dosage is too low. Yet when I went to the GP surgery to have it, the nurse said 'oh you're on methotrexate, so that's why you're having it .'
Why not send this to your GP?
From 1 September 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65.
You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Your GP should contact you to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Contact your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine and you've not been contacted about it.
You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday.
Thanks. I think I’ve slipped through the net so will now need to wait till I’m 70. I’ve spoken to a GP so unless she gets in touch I guess it a no 🤷🏻♀️
This is from the NHS WEBSITE;
AS EVERYONE SAYS….YOU ARE ELIGIBLE….DON’T BE DETERRED
Half GP practices are not up to speed on vaccinations….I received letters every year when only the Live vaccine was available telling me I’d got to have the vaccination. I wrote back every year…saying NO I couldn’t have the vaccination because of the drugs I was taking. This happened every year for about five years ….then when Shingrix apappeared I was too old….but I took great pleasure in telling the practice nurse I’d already had shingles…..Thank you very much, and it wasn’t much of a problem at all!
“The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system. “From 1 September 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65. You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.”
nhs.uk › vaccinations
Shingles vaccine - NHS
Thank you. Im sorry you had such problems getting yours sorted. I’m sure I am eligible but a bit concerned about the wording of the new rules. I’m having horrendous problems with our GP Practice not seeing patients & basically refusing almost everything due to cost. Far more interested in their budget than their patients well being unfortunately. I’ve already got a fight on my hands regarding T3 which the hospital prescribed but GP not currently agreeing to prescribe due to cost so don’t want to rock the boat too much.
I know what you mean…..my GP surgery is doing exactly the same.Luckily I have been with my rheumy for many years…& he just orescribes….what he had already prescribed on a Shared care agreement …on a hospital scrip. But how long that will lasting don’t know.
But keep,pushing for that shingles vaccination.
There is a strange rule about the year you were born. You had to be 65 by such a date or wait until you are 70. It makes no sense to me or anyone else I have spoken too but I can't remember exactly what it is.
Yes that's happened to my husband . He was 65 in April but was told it was only if you were 65 after 1st September that you are eligible. Makes no sense at all.
Official advice:
Who should have the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.
People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
From 1 September 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65.
You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Your GP should contact you to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Contact your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine and you've not been contacted about it.
You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday.
Information:
If you turned 65 before 1 September 2023, you'll be eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 70.
People aged 70 to 79
Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine.
Depending on the type of vaccine you have, you'll have either 1 dose or 2 doses (given between 6 and 12 months apart).
Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine. You're eligible up until your 80th birthday.
People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
This is a bit confusing, it should read ‘People aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system depending on medication’ which is quite different.
I agree.
Yes me
Yes you qualify for the two-shot SHINGRIX vaccination (non-live) because you are immune suppressed as you are on a biologic drug for your condition and you are 50 years of age or more. I suggest you contact your GP again and draw attention to the Green Book Chapter 28a page 6 where this is clearly stated.
Do check that your GP has the fact that you take an immune suppressing biologic drug recorded on your patient notes. A surprising number of GPs did not in the past and that came to light at the start of the Covid pandemic. I had to go to a lot of trouble to make sure that it was recorded in my notes so that the GP then knew I am clinically extremely vulnerable and qualify for all the Covid jabs, booster and antiviral medications!
Yes you’re right. I didn’t get anti virals when I had Covid as the GP’s procrastinated until it was day 5 & too late. I had a GP put it on my repeat prescription a while ago but obviously they don’t know what it is 🤷🏻♀️
I’m 67 and asked the nurse who was doing a blood test if I was eligible. She looked at my notes and said I should have been on their priority list because I’m on methotrexate. She did it for me there and then.
The age based system has been designed to spread the load on the vaccine production and vaccination centres and GPs. It would simply not be possible to vaccinate everyone over 65 in one year.
I'm in Scotland and got my letter with my appointment at the local vaccination centre. I'm 67 and on Cimzia so would not normally be eligible for another 3 years otherwise.
I'm not sure about the policy in the rest of the UK, but everyone here is being offered 2 doses of the Shingrix vaccine which is a non live vaccine and suitable people on immunosuppressive treatments.
Thanks. I understand that & that's why it came to my attention. I should have had it years ago as been on Biologics for 20 years. I will be annoyed if they say I have to wait because of their oversight.
To be fair it's only fairly recently that Shingrix has become more widely available. Possibly one of the benefits of COVID vaccine programme is improved production of recombinant vaccines.
The previous vaccine was a live vaccine and not suitable for those with compromised immune systems.
At least now those over 50 on certain medications which affect immunity can easily get the vaccination.
Fair point I guess. Thanks.
Shingles vaccination
Shingles Vaccine 
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles Vaccination
