Hi All,
Having read all the responses to my original post, I did some research on the Over 65 vaccine. I was unaware it contains Shingrex, which is certainly an issue for me as I have Post Herpitic Neuralgia , (permanent nerve damage) from a bout of Shingles. I will be speaking with my pharmacist and GP about the under 65 vaccine.
Once again, information gained from the shared experiences of everyone has proved invaluable.
Thank you so much everyone.
Please let us know how you get on with surgery - may be useful to others who have same issues as you.
I certainly will do
Hi, I’m a little confused. I don’t think the over 65 contains Shingrex, that’s a shingles vaccine? Maybe they contain the same adjuvant. I know it has something to give the immune system a bigger boost. Curious how that plays out with an autoimmune disease. Would love more clarification. I did not realize there was an over 65 version so now I’m curious.
I know last year where I live they were offering a certain more complete version of the flu shot to people who were particularly vulnerable, as in nursing home residents. The rest of us got the same vaccine as everyone.
The “over 65” form came out last autumn.
Have a look at this for more info - nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...
This also from 2018/19 Info sheet -
This year we are introducing a more effective flu vaccine for those aged 65 and over as well as offering all eligible adults under 65 the ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine, which protects against a total of four strains of flu.
What’s new for the 2018/19 flu season?
The newly available ‘adjuvanted’ vaccine for those aged 65 and over is expected to significantly boost effectiveness by improving the body’s immune response to the vaccine. This is important because typically, older adults’ bodies do not respond as well to the flu vaccine due to their naturally weaker immune systems. Older adults are also more likely to suffer complications from flu.
This enhanced vaccine has the potential to lead to:
30,000 fewer GP appointments
2,000 fewer people needing hospital care
700 fewer deaths from flu in England
The broader flu vaccination programme will also be improved by offering all eligible adults under 65, including pregnant women, health care workers and those with serious health conditions, the ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine in injected form. This protects against a total of four strains of flu; two strains of flu A and two strains of flu B.
Thank you for this. I will let you know how it goes
You experiences are relevant to us too, keep us posted! Xxxx
Sorry, Im a little confused by this (I blame the pred as usual) Are you suggesting that the over 65 vaccine may not be suitable for those with GCA / PMR?
As DL as outlined it just a different processing system. Drs have been offering over65 shingles injections as well as flu but I don't think there is any indication they are integrated.
vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/inactiva...
I don't think it is a different processing system; it's a different vaccine for over 65's which seems to affect our immune systems. In all the references quoted I can't see whether those with GCA/PMR taking pred should opt to take the under 65's vaccine instead.
Yes the over 65 protects against 3 flu viruses and has an adjuvant that supposedly makes it more effective. It's an oil that is found in organic matter (humans, animals, plants) but some seemingly may have a reaction to it as it "tickles" the immune system (my terms) . It's meant to take into account that our immune systems are weakened as we age and that flu can be a killer. You won't find specific reference to Pmr/GCA I wouldn't think but if you are on pred your immune system is suppressed so it would be recommended. But it's always a personal choice. Same vaccine, different manufacturing process...i.e. same flu a,b. Whatever the main viruses that have been tracked. You can probably ask for u65 on if concerned.
My understanding is that Shingrex is a non-live vaccine and therefore safer for those with a weakened immune system. When I declined vaccination with Zostavax, which does contain a live virus, I was advised that was my only option since Shingrex is not available on the NHS and would cost me circa £450 to have privately. If it’s now to be included in the annual flu vaccine that would be great.
There are experts who are concerned about the use of Shingrix in immuno-compromised patients - in terms of those who have autoimmune disease whose a/i system is arguably over-active any way being over-stimulated by this new super-dooper version. No studies had been done in such patients and many problems have arisen in other fields from using a so-called "safe" vaccine or medication in groups for whom no trials were done.
Most interesting PMRpro, thank you for that. Whilst I’ve read a bit about Shingrix I hadn’t come across this. I am still eligible for a shingles vaccination until the end of the year but I’m still unsure what to do. Like all of us, I do not want anything that will endanger my health further.
Although I no longer take steroids I still take Methotrexate weekly and I’m having to take iron tablets too since becoming anaemic. My feeling is I take what I really have to but the fewer tablets the better.
Can you provide your reference please? I would be surprised if the vaccine contained Shingrix as the stocks weren't enough to provide it as a separate vaccine, never mind the vast amounts that would be required in a flu vaccine availble to all countries.
PMRpro, having read through the replies to this post and my original one about the flu shot. I now know I was confusing the inclusion of Shangrix and an adjuvant. I'm still a little confused, which is my normal state given the amount of medication I am on.
Having read through the articles I looked at before starting this thread again, knowing the difference between the two, I can't find anything that states Shingrix itself, is included in the Over 65 vaccine. I'm still on a learning curve though, as we all are. I'm going to discuss it with my pharmacist before I make my decision.
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