Shingles vaccine: Just got a phone call from GP booking... - NRAS

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Shingles vaccine

allanah profile image
58 Replies

Just got a phone call from GP booking me in for my shingles vaccine as I fit the criteria.Has anyone had any experience of the jab. Do I need to ask Rheumatology about changing my tcz infusion times .

Thanks , I not after medical advice just whether you personally had to adjust your drip timings. I know with my covid jab I was told I could even have it the same day as my Tcz infusion!

TIA x

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allanah profile image
allanah
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58 Replies
Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01

I’ve just had my first one yesterday. My rheumatologist said I didn’t need to hold off my biologic or MTX, for shingles vaccine. He still suggests holding off MTX for 2 weeks after the covid vaccine. I usually feel dreadful after vaccines, partly due to making no cortisol to deal with the stress on the body. However, other than my shoulder being a bit sore, I’ve had no issues.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toRunrig01

Thank you that's handy to know. Yes I always feel rough after vaccines but then I think if I feel rubbish with this tiny dose hiw would I be with the real thing!?I've had shingles and I really dint want it again!!

Thanks fir your experience and reply.

Gnarli profile image
Gnarli

I was only on MTX, which I skipped that week, and it was ok. Being intramuscular it was a bit ouchy but only a bit sore after.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toGnarli

Thanks very much xxxx hope you are well x

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toGnarli

Hello Gnarli - please could you tell me your level of methotrexate? Thanks v much. D

Gnarli2 profile image
Gnarli2 in reply toDJK99

I'm currently on 17.5mg metoject if that helps

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toGnarli2

Thanks so much Gnarli2. I’m only on 15mg as they can’t give me more as it potentiates my neutropenia too badly.. but have had shingles twice in last 2.5yrs and really don’t want it again. Had this last bout for 2mths despite the anti virals. Was clearly too late, as was misdiagnosed at first with “potential bed bugs” - for goodness sake! So awful. I’m only 61, and whilst i have v low complement 4 and on off 3, plus v low Igm3 and all sorts of other up spout bloods plus awful diseases, they won’t give it to me yet. Did you find your neutrophils had plummeted with your bouts?? Guessing the link is there as we catch it/it is more easily activated when we’re at low ebb. Anyway thanks so much and hoping upu are doing as well as poss. D

Madmusiclover profile image
Madmusiclover

just had it. Didn’t stop drugs. Second one in a couple of weeks.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toMadmusiclover

Yikes it's two .... I've really not looked into it lol thanks

Knip profile image
Knip in reply toallanah

Allanah, it's two doses if you have having the Shingrix vaccine, for those who qualify, but only one for the standard vaccine.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toKnip

Ah good advice thank you x

GemsfromWarks profile image
GemsfromWarks in reply toallanah

Need to be careful as I was told to book for shingles jab and I asked if it was the live vaccine.they checked and it was. Gp not interested that I should not have live vaccine. Shingrix is not live so ok but more expensive and 2 doses.

Seaberry profile image
Seaberry

had both of my shingles vaccine. Slight reaction to first. None to second. Did not stop any of my meds.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toSeaberry

Thanks Seaberry .Good to know

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

I don't know about your medication but do know here they only record one dose as the system is set up for the ordinary vaccine and not the 2 needed for immune supressed. So ask about it being recorded twice. I had both and still got Shingles luckily not so badly, my side effect was very sore arm. I was told to carry on my med AZA and Benapali.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply tomedway-lady

Thanks very much, that's helpful

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

Hello allanah, I had my two shingrix jabs in August and January. On both occasions I didn't stop MTX or CIMZIA.Fingers crossed for you. x

allanah profile image
allanah in reply tostbernhard

Thanks so much. Sending love, and I hope you are managing x

allanah profile image
allanah

Well struggling a bit just now BUT seeing rheumy in 2weeks! Then SUMMER woooo

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toallanah

Hope all goes well. 🙏

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toNeonkittie17

Cheers . I hope so!!! Weird how our live revolve around outpatient appointments!

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Hoping you have a lovely summer. 🩷

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toNeonkittie17

Cheers , thanks x

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toallanah

🩷

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

I have 2 of my consultant (other areas of health) still by by phone so it’s not as hectic re appointments atm but I see my rheumy every other appointment at my request. I can return to every appt being ftf if I want. She’s very accommodating. Good luck with your upcoming one. x

Rusticgarden profile image
Rusticgarden

Just had my second one in March these new shingles vaccine aren't live so no need to stop meds , I had no problems having both vaccines I'm on methotrexate and orcenia

Ghugs profile image
Ghugs

Just had my second shingling injection ....no side effects. Don't know about your infusion, I have fortnightly humira injections and that has not been affected.

Den73 profile image
Den73

Hi allanah I have had shingles 5 times,my last bout was about 4 years ago, the worst one ever I was called to have the jab about 6 months ago after seeking comments from our trusted group was advised it was to be the non live vaccine, was impressed all was in order at my surgery, right vaccine to hand, was advised that some people did get mild symptoms of shingles after the vaccine, but I felt completely well after, my arm was not even sore. And complete lack of worry in regard to catching shingles.

Hope it goes well with you should you decide to have the vaccine.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toDen73

I will defo have the vaccine and now read up on it. Yes shingles is so horrible I don't want to get it again x

Nantocallum profile image
Nantocallum

I think I’m going to Agree with you on this as it saying now that the covid vaccine is killing the immune system that fights all the infections in your body glad I only had 2

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toNantocallum

I was hoping not to start the vaccine debate ! Lol! 🤭 I wanted to know others experiences of timing of shingles vaccines and thanks everyone for giving me advice and experiences .

Florida1959 profile image
Florida1959 in reply toNantocallum

Good lady xxx

allanah profile image
allanah

My ra drugs/ infusions/ steroid injections change my natural immunity ,which is what I need as my immune system overreacts thus RA, so vaccines help me I think. All vaccines have side effects .I have had shingles twice and it's awful and I don't want it again. X

allanah profile image
allanah

Thanks everyone xxxx

York54 profile image
York54

I’ve had both Shingrix vaccines, just sore arm afterwards. I’m taking hydroxychloroquine and Adilamubab (sp) . I had shingles a few years ago , awful , hope to never have it again.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toYork54

Thanks so much x

Scottishlad profile image
Scottishlad

Obviously from the replies there are different experiences regarding stopping RA meds around the shingles vaccine. Please contact your rheumatology team for specific advice.

I'm on Cimzia and MTX. I was advised to skip the doses due after the vaccinations.

For my latest COVID booster I managed to get it between Cimzia injections and missed the next MTX as that seems to be the general advice.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toScottishlad

Thanks so much . Yes I just had covid booster and shingles jab in two weeks booked thanksx

Seatgeorge profile image
Seatgeorge

I had the first one no problem second o e booster arm ached like hell for 2 days apart from that no problem, I did ask the question about it being a non live vacine and the nurse assured me it wasn't.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toSeatgeorge

Thank so much. Yeah my covid and b12 vaccines always hurt so im sorta expecting it!

Doodlereggie profile image
Doodlereggie

so glad you are having the shingles vaccine,as just getting over 3 weeks of shingles and it is horrible,very painful.I had the vaccine 8 years ago evidently,and got antivirals on first day of rash,so have no post herpatic pain which can be very long lasting.Get all the protection you can.I do understand that the 2 dose Shingrix vaccine is not a live vaccine so is o.k. for us immunosuppressed and no stopping of meds at all,but do check.I did have to stop my JAK meds for 2 weeks while on antivirals so having a bit of a flare in hands and feet,but it will pass,I am sure.Good luck.x

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toDoodlereggie

Ouch. Yeah I got post hepatic pain last time. It was dreadful xx thanks xx

Briefencounter profile image
Briefencounter

I was told that I couldn't have the shingles vaccine due to RA . Then I was recommended Shingrix ( auto-predict came up with Shangri-la 😄) but I got shingles before jab was due . Only a small rash on top of right breast and same on back of right shoulder - felt a bit "meh" .Just had my 9th covid - felt off for a day and a half . Fine now !

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toBriefencounter

Yes same with covid jab but I love Shangri-la ... the area at Glastonbury festival !

Briefencounter profile image
Briefencounter in reply toallanah

We live just outside of Bath so near to Glastonbury. Haven't been to the festival but my kids were frequent visitors in their teenage years . I like the town vibe and often visit for tea in the Abbey tea rooms .

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toBriefencounter

Oh I've visited Bath, beautiful place ... though we got stuck with a caravan on a diversion once , taking us over a tiny bridge when the main one was closed !!

Pulfs profile image
Pulfs

Just check it’s the non live vaccine they are giving you which needs 2 doses spaced apart. Hopefully no dire arm x

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toPulfs

I will thank you x

Evie3 profile image
Evie3

i had Shingrix and no side effects …think I had to have 2 🤔

I was on Rituximab

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toEvie3

Thanks very much. Positive

RivieraSun profile image
RivieraSun

I had non live vaccination 2 doses 2 months apart. Felt unwell next day after each, mainly bad aches, then ok. Only on sulphasalazine tho. Not told to leave off medication beforehand.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toRivieraSun

Thanks for your advice x

EngineerMatthew profile image
EngineerMatthew

daughter got it, still get shingles

gal at church had a very bad reaction to it so much now she refuses any vaccines

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toEngineerMatthew

That's a shame. I believe you can catch it after vaccines but less strong. And yes some people react to all drugs/ vaccines but I think ill take the risk x

pippin_fort profile image
pippin_fort

All I can tell you is that I was very poorly after both shots. I almost considered not having the second. I did have it, but make sure you have nothing special planned. Good luck.

allanah profile image
allanah in reply topippin_fort

Thanks. knowing my luck it will make me yucky. I'll keel the next day free . Thanks x

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridge

Hi Allanah.

Like you I'm on TOC and didn't stop it for my Shingrix jabs.

No after effects after the first jab but felt a bit rough for 24 hours after the second and had an achy arm and spectacular bruise (probably because I take apixaban).

allanah profile image
allanah in reply toLolabridge

I take riveroxaban so yes constantly bruised with monthly ra blood tests, monthly infusion, flu jab, covid jab , steroid jab and no doubt shingles jab!

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