Concern about Vaccines

[Callymac]

I am due to get my second shingles (shingrix) vaccine at the start of January 2023.

After the first vaccine in August and my flu and covid booster vaccines in September I struggled with aches and pains so much so that I had to increase my prednisolone from 2.5mg to 7.5mg. I'm feeling so much better at the moment but the thought of a repeat of what happened in the autumn is giving me cause for concern. I just feel I want to avoid another vaccination but would appreciate any advice that you lovely lot are able to give.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

From the patient information leaflet, this advice-

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

I can understand your reticence following previous experiences, but with only part of the treatment completed you may be putting yourself at more risk of suffering from shingles.

[Callymac in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank Dorset Lady. Good advice.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

I'd rather have a flare than shingles. I'd get the shot.

[Callymac in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Yes that puts it in perspective. Thanks GOOD_GRIEF

[PMRZ in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I quite agree, I don’t have any underlying health problems (I’m on here because my partner has PMR) but I was off work for 6 weeks with shingles 3 years ago and still have occasional nerve pain in my wrist now!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Just think about what the shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia could do - the primary reason for the vaccine is to reduce the risk of PHN. There have been a couple of people on the forum in the last year or so with really severe shingles and PHN.

[Callymac in reply to PMRpro]

Had never heard of of PHN. Thanks again for sensible advice. Will now go ahead with 2nd vaccine.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Callymac]

It is far and away the worst aspect of shingles when it happens. One friend in his early 70s but reasonably fit developed it and was in and out of hospital for more than 6 months for pain management.

[Muffin2019]

Got mine last year and no issues, I get majority of vaccines due to the cancer.

[York54]

Please have the vaccine, I had shingles last year , it was the worst pain ever.

[Animalover65]

Hi,I have not had the shingles vaccine yet, HoweverI do think my PMR started some time after the Astra Zenica jab. I discussed further jabs with my Rheumatologist and he said like the rest of the group that the jabs are most important. I did not get any further reactions to Covid or Flu jabs. I think I was very anxious when i got the AZ jab and much calmer for the other jabs. I wonder whether the reassurance of the Rheumatologist helped and whether stress levels at the time of vaccinations can influence matters.

[Kazm04]

I wouldn't worry too much about increasing your prednisoloneand I would also have your shingles jab. I tried recently to reduce my prednisolone from 9mg to 8mg and the stiffness and pain came back so I'm back on 9mg which is frustrating as I really want to reduce amount of prednisone as I've put on a lot of weight and I also have other health problems. This is an awful illness which none of us would ever want but just take one day at a time . I hope this helps with your decision.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kazm04]

Cutting carbs drastically, especially processed carbs and added sugar and limiting fruit, will help a great deal with the weight gain.