Shingles jab refused, ( immune suppressed )

[alast1959]

I was 64 ( Oct 2023 ) i inquired about the shingles jab, but was refused ???

[Runrig01]

Are you on any immunosuppressants? If not then it is currently 70+, but those age 60-70, will become eligible on either their 65th or 70th birthday. Here’s the list of immunosuppressants that qualify, and the governments eligibility criteria

Eligibility

[helenlw7 in reply to Runrig01]

I had mine because I was immunosuppressed

[Runrig01 in reply to Runrig01]

Here’s the green book re immunosuppressants

Shingles

[Gottarelax in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for this Runrig01. I didn't think MTX qualified and so didn't pursue it. I'll check up with my surgery as I'm on 25mg.

[Runrig01 in reply to Gottarelax]

Yes if your over 50, and take more than 20mg you qualify. 👍

[Jewels94]

I managed to get my first one last week, but I had to explain to my GP practice why I qualified and my rheumatologist also wrote to my GP practice asking them to make sure they fitted it in around my rituximab infusions. It took a few phone calls before they confirmed I could have it.

[cathie in reply to Jewels94]

I’m on rituximab and was given it

[Bookworm55]

I had mine this January and March (8 week gap between the 2 doses) I’m 68 and just emailed my GP who replied with an appointment. I had to delay my ritaximab infusion though as hadn’t realised there were 2 doses!

[GinnyE]

I was refused, I'll be 70 in November, as only on 20 mg methotrexate. I think they said I could have it in September.

[Hightower62]

Hi, I was also refused by Rheumatology & my GP as I am 62 & taking 20mg MTX with no other immunosuppressants. Eligibility is over 20mg which seems like splitting hairs but rules are rules I guess.

The thing that irritates me the most is the TV advert imploring those eligible based on age & also the IMMUNOSUPPRESSED to get vaccinated. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds!

I am about to pay £460 to get vaccinated privately which I would rather spend elsewhere but am not prepared to wait almost 3 years to get it on the NHS.

[Knip]

I was given the Shingrix jab instead. This was in two doses. My GP wanted a letter from Rheumatology stating that I couln't be given the normal vaccine before ordering it in. I qualified because I have more than one autoimmune condition.

[aliplayspiano]

I was 65 last July so according to the rules I should have to wait until I’m 70 to have the shingles jab. However I’m immunosuppressed because of being on biologics and had planned to enquire about it at the GPs. But then I saw the practice nurse in January for a chest infection and she offered it to me before I said anything! Was supposed to have second dose last week but have another chest infection so will have in the next couple of weeks.

[Scottishlad]

I am 67 and was offered the vaccine in January. I am however on the biologic Cimzia. In Scotland the standard vaccine is two doses of Shingrix.

The vaccine is expensive and that is why there are strict eligibility conditions.

[MadBunny]

I was offered it because I'm on mtx and the Biologic Cimzia. As

[MadBunny]

I was offered it because I'm on mtx and the Biologic Cimzia.

[Sarmita50]

I had it 4 years ago.At first they refused because I was on MTX 25mg and Hydroch. But the second drug was withdrawn as I was in remission and was prescribed another drug after 3 months I took the opportunity to have Shingles jab during this gap. But don't know how long it will be effective.

[Poshcards]

I was refused it by my Gp two weeks before my 70th birthday ! Had to return a month later x

[Mall]

I am 69 and have to wait until I am 70. I take The biologic Benapali and 25mg methotrexate. I asked both Gp and rheumatologist and both said I wasn’t eligible until 70. Crazy nhs.

[Mmrr]

The reason I was offered it was because I am immunocompromised. Maybe you should ask again , or at least be given an explanation of why it is being refused?

[allanah]

I'm 64 never een offered it .

[thekeys46 in reply to allanah]

I wasn’t offered it but asked the nurse about it when having my B12 injection. I’m on Humira and methotrexate so was able to have it. Xx

[allanah in reply to thekeys46]

Thanks I'm tcz infusion leflunamide snd steroids so maybe. But just had my spring covid jab offer for next week....think il space them out!?

[Shelly1969]

I had mine and l'm due to have my second next month they said that because l have RA/OA/Fibromyalgia /Asthma and only one kidney as l had one removed in 1995 due to Hydronephrosis " kidney disease " lm so glad l did have it as there's an influx of cases where l live, l really do hope you manage to get yours done too it is a horrible thing to get Shingles my friend had it all around the right side of her back and she said it was excruciating pain l really didn't want this so l spoke to my doctors and at first they said no but then l spoke to the practice manager and stated that if l get shingles because of them being lax l would sue them and l recorded my conversation with them " l did tell them l was recording the conversation " the next day l had a call offering me to go in and have my injection " happy days " GOOD LUCK X