Shingles vaccination

[Bluey-1]

Have any of you under 70 year olds in the UK managed to get a shingles vaccination. Two people I know have suffered shingles in the eye, head, face recently. Very unpleasant and painful several weeks later.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think the rules make it next to impossible to get even the cheap Zostavax if you are under 70 in the UKm never mind the Shingrix we should have.

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Looks like I’ve two years to go then. From what I’ve seen shingles isn’t something us GCA/PMR-ers would want to add to our challenges!

[Janet57]

I am so sorry to hear that. A friend of mine has the same after her shingles vaccination. It’s extremely painful - she’s had the rash as well as the symptoms you mention. The GP said it’s very rare.

[Pixix]

Yes, I had mine about five years ago, I was 61. I did not have PMR then, but I had a lot of other medical issues. I was offered that, & the pneumonia jab, earlier than the normal age in UK to receive them. I had been very sick for three years, with lung problems.

[Bluey-1 in reply to Pixix]

I’m off for bloods this morning so will ask but I expect a ‘no’.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bluey-1]

No harm in asking though. 😊

[Bluey-1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Quite and I did. Very strict rules on when you are offered the vaccine. A ‘no’ but always worth asking. It’s just been awful seeing my friend in unrelenting pain. My cousin, who’s a few weeks ahead of her is still suffering from post shingles pain. It’s going to be a long job for them but we know all about that don’t we?

[Bluey-1 in reply to Pixix]

Glad you had the vaccination early. My cousin and friend have had this rare eye, face, head shingles. Very very painful and can’t stand to be in sunlight. I so feel for them as the pain seems unrelenting.

[Pixix in reply to Bluey-1]

Nasty, but, as you say, rare, so unlikely you will ever get it? I do hope so. That’s the problem with knowing others who have it nastily in head area…just want to prevent it yourself!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

Not that rare, been a few on the forum with it over the years - one last year.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

I’m sorry, because Bluey said it was rare, I was just trying to help her from feeling so anxious & worried. Having seen 2 people with it, she’s worrying, & she may never get it at all! That’s all.

[Bluey-1 in reply to Pixix]

Thank you for reading me correctly! Worry is my middle name. I know it’s pointless and adds stress which doesn’t help with GCA but I do try to mitigate situations, hence my query re the vaccination. Worry and subsequent stress affects me at a cellular level, despite all the meditation, relaxation and deep breathing stuff I do. I kind of know what’s going on in my body but it can feel out of control, because I guess it is!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

Sorry if my comment has upset you - it IS rare but equally it IS possible, You have to get the balance I suppose. But in most countries you are able to have the Shingrix jab at any age and with any history if you pay for it yourself - is that an option? It isn't cheap I admit but if you can afford it it would provide peace of mind.

[Pixix in reply to Bluey-1]

I had a mother just like that. I have a best friend like it, too! Years of practice! You could worry you are going to get anything at all…many lovely worry folk think they will get cancer! Well, one out of two of us will. Sadly, worrying won’t help the situation, but I know it’s built in to you, my Mum, my friend! Yoga? Mum did meditation, relaxation classes etc. you ARE in control. If you are unfortunate enough to get shingles it may be round your waist, a common place! But it may never happen! My Dad nearly died, age 7, from a burst appendix. I spent time thinking every pain in that part of my body must be appendicitis!! Just breathe….long & slow….hugs, S xx

[Bluey-1]

That’s something I could consider. It was so strange to have two people I know with the exact type of shingles, at a similar time, very nasty and they’ve a long road ahead.

[preempt]

£450 for a course of two Shingrix vaccines at Boots:

boots.com/online/pharmacy-s...

[preempt]

£170 for a single Zostavax at Superdrug:

healthclinics.superdrug.com...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to preempt]

People on pred shouldn't have the Zostavax - and it has a reputation for causing PMR!

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

My husband (over 70) had to have what the nurse called the ‘expensive one’ due to the drugs he’s on.

Thanks to all of you. I think I really need to work on the worrying….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

You probably do - but easier said than done!

[Biba5]

reading about Shingrex, I am blessed to live in NZ🇳🇿. Had the vax 2 yrs ago. It is free for over 65’s, others can pay, I believe about $200.