Shingles vaccination

[calibriel]

I know catching shingles with PMR is a complete no-no, but does anyone know if we are OK having the vaccination? I imagine if we are, it’s a good idea

[MrsNails]

Have a look in FAQ’s it’s all explained in there.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[calibriel in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you - should have known!

[MrsNails in reply to calibriel]

It’s well worth a read…..And, it’s important you get the Correct Vaccine!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

See this - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You don't catch shingles - it is a reactivation of virus left in the body after you having had chicken pox as a child. The vaccine is supposed to reduce the likelihood of that reactivation.

[piglette]

Have you had chicken pox? If you have, shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person gets chickenpox, the virus stays dormant inside the body for life, hopefully not causing any problems or symptoms, but sadly every so often it does!

[calibriel in reply to piglette]

Thank you. Yes, I had chicken pox as a child and I know shingles can be painful and debilitating, without pre-existing health issues. I really don't want to develop it. I've just registered with a new GP practice after moving house and the first thing they did was to send me a text inviting me to have a shingles vaccination - which I'd already discussed somewhat inconclusively with my previous doctor. I feel much more informed after the helpful responses here and will discuss with my new doctor when I have my first appt with them.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to calibriel]

You will need to remind them that as you are on pred and therefore immunocompromised, you are entitled to have the Shingrix vaccine, the newer, more expensive, 2-step vaccine which they will probably have to order specifically for you. They may well be unaware of that and try to fob you off with the other one.

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Advice please.....having Shingrix vac on Tuesday, Max wants renal and VitD checked, is it a risk in any way to have both done together.......thought I would check first.....thanks you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

What - you mean have a blood test done and the jab? Can't see why not - take the blood sample first and then give you the jab.

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, blood test...and jab...ok will do, save another trip to surgery....

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to calibriel]

As PMRpro says impress upon them you need the Shringrix vaccine…and double check when you go to have it done. It does have to ordered.

[Longtimer in reply to calibriel]

I am having my Shingrix shingles vaccine on Tuesday....I double checked on the Phone that it was Shingrix....and before it is in my arm with check agsin!....

[Mazxstitch]

I had the Shingrix Vaccinations a couple of months ago. Had reactions to first one but second was okay. Am glad I had the Vaccinations.

[Margaret1951]

Hi, I had the injection 2 years ago as my doctor said I needed it because of being on steroids, I was fine after.

[Ullswater]

I had a Shingrix vaccination on the same day as my annual flu jab. Within 2 days I had a major PMR flare. I subsequently didn't have the 2nd Shingrix, but the GP assured me that I still had some protection. It could just have been an unusual reaction with me but perhaps just one vaccine at a time is wise. ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ullswater]

I don't think I'd like to try 2 on the same day!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ullswater]

How long ago? You can still have second Shingrix vaccine within 6 months -but sooner is better.

[Ullswater in reply to DorsetLady]

17th November 2021.... I did try to find further information , but GP advised against the second vaccine ! Reckon I was fairly naive to the knowledge of GPs back then with regard to GCA and PMR . I must be a slow learner, but the advice, sharing of experiences from folk on this site has been the biggest help of all to me over the last 3.5 years. Thank you. Avril

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ullswater]

Alright -you may be offered it again - think I read in paperwork .. that you need both for it be effective.,

[Ullswater in reply to DorsetLady]

Ok, thank you. I will have another conversation with another in my GP practice as to the effectiveness of having had just the one Shingrix !!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ullswater]

This from info leaflet -

“Make sure you finish the complete vaccination course. This will maximise the protection offered by Shingrix”

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ullswater]

See my response to DL - with a couple of papers to show the GP. The second paper suggest you do only need one more - the delay shouldn't matter.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

publichealthmdc.com/documen...

Difficult to assess because it is only approved for 2 shots and no studies on 1 shot have been done.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/335...

says "Second doses administered beyond the recommended 6 months did not impair effectiveness."

and of course - their figures are not as impressive as those from the pharma company since they are real world observations!

[Griggser]

I wouldn’t hesitate to get the Shingrex vaccine if I were you. I had shingles 18 months ago and suffering now from Post Herpetic neuralgia brought by shingles. The nerves get damaged and cause pain in the area. Unfortunately my shingles was in my eye!

[Ullswater in reply to Griggser]

I'm now going to challenge that first opinion. IS one jab enough ?? Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ullswater]

See reply above …

[calibriel]

Thank you everyone for your helpful and supportive replies. I feel much better informed now, and will talk to my new doctor about the Shingrex vaccination when I can - and let you know how I get on!

[MaritimeMags]

I had shingles in half of my private parts three years ago - with PMR and taking Pred etc. You cannot believe the discomfort!!! If a jab is going to stop Shingles developing, I would opt to have it.

[Moness]

I had the shingles vaccine but still got it a couple of months ago. I was given anti virals and to be honest it wasn’t that bad so the vaccine must have helped.