shingles vaccination

[parkrungirl66]

I’ve been told that due to my RA (diagnosed Aug) that it is recommended to have the shingles vaccination.

As it’s not a live vaccination, it is no longer mandatory to come of methotrexate. However it is recommended to come of 1 week before 1 week after.

I’ve only been on methotrexate for 6 weeks, my Rheumy doctor, has said it’s my choice.

I’ve tried to find out more about the shingles vaccination…ie is it a one off, or do we have it yearly. But the info I’ve managed to find is confusing.

I’m going on a cruise soon so want to be as protected as possible….

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts…

[Runrig01]

Shingles vaccine is a 2 part vaccine, that are given 8 weeks apart for immunosuppressed, and offers 5yrs protection. It’s quoted as being 74% effective. I assume you’re over 50, as it’s currently only offered to immunosuppressed over 50yrs of age.

[Gilliancheche]

You need the non live vaccine which is called Shingrix. It is given in 2 doses , I think a year apart but I'm not 100% sure on the interval. I recently had the first dose with no side effects.

[Scottishlad]

Shingles is the reactivation of the chicken pox virus which lies dormant in the body for many years. Why this happens nobody really understands, the cruise shouldn't increase your risk.The vaccine is given in 2 doses 2 months apart. It seems that many people have more of a reaction to the second dose, don't be surprised if you feel tired for a couple of days after the second one

I normally take my methotrexate on Sundays. My shingles vaccine was on a Thursday. The advice I was given was to miss the methotrexate following the vaccination.

My personal opinion is that there really is no problem missing the methotrexate if it makes the vaccine more effective. Especially as you are just starting on it.

[stbernhard]

I had the two Shingrix jabs five months apart. Six months is the maximum time for immunosuppressed folk. As for stopping MTX, I'd get the advice from you Rheumatology team. Good luck

[Mall]

I missed a dose of methotrexate for my first jab, second one due in a couple of weeks, an eight week gap. Meanwhile I had my annual routine consultant appt so asked about stopping methotrexate for vaccinations. His view was this was only necessary for covid and didn’t apply for shingles and flu jabs.

So I will continue methotrexate for my second one as I did have a bit of a flare following the first.

[Wantplaytennis]

Second shingrix vaccine about 2 months apartNot yearly,unless you mean a yearly top up which I'm not sure about!

[dmags]

Hi I've had RA for over 20 years been on most treatments available throughout the years , I had shingles last year, i had fairly bad pains in head and rash and went on for a while, I missed the cutoff for the shingles vaccine by 1 month so I went to my GP to ask if I could have due to the RA and treatment, i was told he could see no reason for me to have and would have to wait until I am 70 in 4 years time , so interested to hear who told you to have the vaccine ? My RA not brilliant at moment ran out of current injections , was told bloods not been perfect and not had current bloods which is wrong as never missed an appointment and bloods only slightly out, I have chased yet again and meant to be getting sorted but since covid the system has been terrible and no signs of improvement.

[parkrungirl66 in reply to dmags]

Hi there, it was the rheumatologist that diagnosed me that said I would now be eligible for the shingles vaccine. When I spoke to GP they wouldn’t book me in until they had received letter from rheumatologist. Once they had that they were able to book me in.

It sounds like your Rheumy team (or perhaps one individual) isn’t on it as they should be at the moment. There could be many reasons for this, but none of them helpful to you. If you don’t get a reply soon call your Patient Experience Team (PET) and ask for support in resolving.

[dmags in reply to parkrungirl66]

Thanks for that information which get onto them

[Gramma3]

Take the vaccine, a couple of days before methotrexate. Carry mtx on. Response to vaccine may be lower. I had to do same thing too early days to pause methotrexate