Shingles vaccination when on Prednisone

[Greengarth]

Is I’d OK to have a Shingles jab if I am 76 and have PMR and on 8mg Prednisone per day?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As long as it is the Shingrix non-live vaccine which comes in 2 jabs. It is approved by the NHS for us to be given but you have to request it from the practice so they can order it. There may be details of that in the FAQs - some practices claim they don't know about it or it is OK for you to have the old, live Zostavax jab. It isn't - one of its listed adverse effects is PMR!!!!

[Greengarth in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for that info. Will phone surgery and check that they have the appropriate vaccine.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

see this on all things shingles -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Greengarth in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset Lady. Very helpful link.

[badgerbeck]

I was told that Shringrix vac is only given to those on more than 10mg daily. It took 2 requests before my GP Surgery agreed. Had my first 4 weeks ago. Booked Flu vaccination tomorrow and second Shringrix in December. I was told that the cost of Shringrix is over £300.00 per course. Had problems tapering below 10mg in the past but OK on 11mg at present. Will stay on this until the end of the year then try reducing again. Meanwhile preparing for our version of lockdown.

I'm in a Tesco online que and at just after 6am l was 180000+ on the waiting list. So it looks like I'll get a Christmas slot early January.

Check your medication in the run up to Christmas to ensure you have supplies for the Xmas holidays.

[Greengarth in reply to badgerbeck]

Many thanks.

[Exflex in reply to badgerbeck]

Shortly after hitting 70 this year I received an invite for the shingles vaccine. Being aware of the sensitivity to live vaccines I rang the surgery and was told anyone with an autoimmune disease does not get Zostavax but Shingrix instead. It seems the criteria is to be suffering from an autoimmune disease not the dose of Pred.

[Maisie2016]

I don’t know what’s in the shingles vaccine so. Wouldn’t .ike to say, sorry, I hope you find the answers you need