Shingles vaccination declined today.

[covidcat13]

Before vaccination I called surgery to make sure I received non-live vaccine as previously told by them. Talk about third degree by receptionist! After explaining in detail she eventually asked a colleague. Bit taken back when I said it was not being offered after September and I'll wait 'til then.

My |g.p. doesn't believe my immune system is compromised so nothing on my notes. I struggled on 6mg Pred. for 3 years, now on 5mg daily for last 6 months but have had several occasions when I've had to temporarily increase dose.

Would be lovely if we had more faith , and knowledge, from medics.

PREVIOUSLY POSTED AS TANSY13.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

New rules in England come into effect in September which is why you have been offered the vaccine after then -

england.nhs.uk/2023/07/nhs-...

On the subject of flaring perhaps you need to taper more slowly -it’s more difficult once you get below 5mg, very little wriggle room.

[Bungalows]

To be fair to your GP surgery, they are probably trying to follow the "Green Book" guidelines which guide the immunisation costs recoverable from government funding.

Chapter 28a covers Shingles, see here;

gov.uk/government/publicati...

There are 2 versions on this web page, up to 31-Aug and from 01-Sep.

In both cases the basis for "severe immunosuppression", currently qualifying for Shingrix (rather than Zostavax) for over 70's, is described by the table on p7 as;

"long term moderate dose corticosteroids (equivalent to ≥10mg prednisolone per day for more than 4 weeks) in the previous 3 months"

In the 01-Sep version this same definition is used, but then applicable to over 50's.

[Gossiplady]

Hi! Five of my friends have had the Shingles vaccine and all five developed Shingles, two really badly. When I talked to my surgery about this I was told “but they could have had it much worse without the vaccine”. That’s life!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gossiplady]

But that was probably the Zostavax vaccine - which is live and is known to be able to trigger an attack. It is said the Shingrix is much better in that respect.

[Gossiplady in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. We learn something new every day.

[Poshcards in reply to PMRpro]

I had the two Shingrix and I have allergies to most drugs, but apart from a very sore arm for about a week, I was and am now fine x

[covidcat13]

Glad I declined live vaccine as slighted thing causes flare-up and chronic tiredness. Not long until September. Although diagnosed 7 years ago I reckon I have had PMR for about 10. Getting there very slowly but do pace myself and avoid crowded situations.

Got eye appointment in 2 weeks as optician found what looks like Macular degeneration in my eye. Maybe hereditary. Thought eye problems were over after two cataract ops .