Shingles

[Candy12]

Has anyone had this vaccine and did you have any side effects. I read it’s a live vaccine so wonder if that’s why I’ve never been offered it. I’ve just had a mild bout of it on my face, thankfully the antivirals took care of it quite quickly.

[janetfolley]

Hi Candy... Absolutely no problem having Shingles Jab.. I've had PBC since 2004 and didn't have any side effects at all after having Jab .. It's always better to provent illness so please go ahead and have Jab.

[Candy12 in reply to janetfolley]

I will definitely enquire at the surgery, about getting this done. My case was mild, but still very uncomfortable, and rather close to my eye want to do what I can to prevent any serious bout.

[exy21]

Depends on age you are mainly. There's a criteria on the NHS which you can check if you're eligible. I was due to medication I'm on and that after the last bout of shingles I now have neuralgia (3yrs of pain later). I'm 52. Had to get Doctor to request I get the vaccine.

In regards to how you'll feel. Everyone's different but main thing is a very sore arm, make sure it's not the one you sleep on. 2nd dose was not good. Same with arm plus flu like symptoms and temperature swings hot then freezing. Make 2nd dose is when you have time to recover just in case as I took days.

Nhs

[Candy12 in reply to exy21]

Thank you for the information and tips , I didn’t realise it was a two dose vaccine. , AT 71 I meet the age criteria.

[janetfolley in reply to Candy12]

No it's only one dose in England

[butterflyEi]

Yes I have had the shingles vaccine. I had to sign a piece of paper for the nurse as it is a live vaccine. If I remember correctly I had a sore arm, much like the flu jab, Personally I think it is a good vaccine to have. Glad to read the antivirals helped quickly.

[Candy12 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you, I will discuss this at the surgery, it was very uncomfortable on the face, so I would not want a more serious bout of it.

[exy21 in reply to Candy12]

Having had shingles twice and 2nd time in the same area much worse I would say get the vaccine.

[chrisj]

I had shingles some years ago. When I asked about a vaccine I was told I didn't need one because I'd had the virus😳Reading your posts I'm wondering if I do need it.

I've been diagnosed with SLE, sjogrens, asthma over the years...chicken pox as a child. Lupus is stable and I'm confused...🫤

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

…No, the shingles vaccine is not a live vaccine:

Shingrix

This vaccine is made from part of the virus, and is not a live virus. It's given in two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first.

Zostavax

This vaccine was a live-attenuated zoster vaccine (LZV) that was discontinued in 2023.

Personally, I feel it's a good thing to get. If you do, make sure you receive the 2nd dose 3 months later for it to be effective.

[Candy12 in reply to DonnaBoll]

Hi Donna I think the UK is different, or the NHS information web site is wrong or needs updating.

It states your GP will decide which vaccine you will get. But the programme is only just being rolled out so maybe I have to wait to be invited. I’am going to make an appointment to discuss it, having had a mild case I certainly won’t want a severe case it was so uncomfortable, luckily I got the anti virals within the 3 days so they were really effective.

Quote from web page.

(The NHS offers a vaccine that reduces your risk of developing shingles. This guide describes the national shingles programme, the benefits of the vaccine and who is eligible. There are 2 shingles vaccines, Zostavax® and Shingrix®. Your GP practice or local pharmacy will advise which is the right vaccine for you.)

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Candy12]

It certainly could be different there. I know my hepatologist said I couldn't get the live vaccine when here in the US that was all that was available.

[LindaVillanova]

Hi Candy, I had it years ago and no problem at all

[YummyBear]

I didn't have any side effects with the vaccine. However, I got Shingles 6 months after the jab and again 5 years later, with a vengeance, taking 6 weeks to recover!I was told by friends that I should have had 2 doses to complete the vaccine within several weeks of the first jab. This did not happen. Maybe the process has changed now.In truth, it has turned me off all vaccines ever since!

[Candy12 in reply to YummyBear]

It does seem a bit sketchy it seems some places use the newer two dose vaccine, but according to UK NHS it could be either at the moment.

[Couly1960]

I got both vaccines and still got shingles 🤷‍♀️

[hhVan]

Good timing because I just had the 1st of 2 Shingrix vaccinations yesterday.

Shingrix is not a live vaccine. I have PBC, other autoimmune issues, and immunodeficiency, and was told it’s safe.

The only side effect so far is a very sore arm. But I think that was due to the technique of the person who gave the jab.

I’ve had shingles twice in my life and it was beyond horrible. As far as I’m concerned, almost any side effect from the vax would be better than getting shingles again.

Good luck!

[JubileePenny]

I have had shingles and a year later, still have the numbness where it broke out. Even my hair irritates this area. I have my prescription for the vaccine (2 doses) and deeply regret not getting it before I developed shingles. Not a pleasant experience.

[Chrisprio]

Because of my PBC I was offered the shingles vaccine some years ago by my surgery despite being below the age that it was routinely offered on the NHS at the time. (I think they’re widening the age range now). I had one dose and no problems. I was also offered a one off pneumonia vaccine and have had the flu vaccine annually. Best wishes.

[ninjagirlwebb]

I took the shingles shots…you need 2.