Yes, You CAN have the Shingles Vaccine

[Louisa1840]

Hi Everyone,

I'm writing this just in case there is anyone out there who thinks they can't have the shingles vaccine because they are on pred. I believed this and refused the vaccine. I later found It was only true if you were on over 20mgs of pred (which I am not).

Last October, a new vaccine called Shingrix came out and it is totally safe for all of us. I am now in my fourth week of this horrible shingles condition and believe me, PMR will seem like a walk in the park when the shingles have gone! Please get vaccinated if you haven't already.

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks for the advice Louisa. Isn’t there an issue about avoiding the live Shingles vaccine too,? Xxxx Get well soon! It is a rotten disease. 🌸

[Louisa1840 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes, but I think that's only if you're on over 20mgs daily? How's the move to Oz coming along? We have an Antarctic Blast atm but I still managed a little totter along our lovely, local beach. The surf is amazing and I can hear it from our cottage...... XXX

[piglette in reply to SheffieldJane]

I believe the live Zoster vaccine was replaced in UK last September by the ‘dead’ Shingrix vaccine, as they discovered the Zoster vaccine was not as good as they thought and also it only lasted five years. I thought that the live Zoster vaccine was no longer offered in UK.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for reminder.

The Shingrix was has always been okay for those with immune issues as it’s non-live, but there are certain criteria for receiving it in UK based on level of immunosuppression and/or age.

It’s the older now being phased out Zostervax being live that caused issues.

Loads of info in FAQ including this - and related posts -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Hope you soon feel better.

[Louisa1840 in reply to DorsetLady]

Apparently, there's a shortage of supply here in Oz. Would that be so in the UK too? Thank you for your well wishes DL I do feel I may have turned the corner.......

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Louisa1840]

Not aware of a shortage - but maybe because you are in winter and that's when people think about getting flu vaccines etc.. so maybe that's factor...plus the phasing out of the older one.

[Scarysit]

Interesting! I was told by GP I can’t have shingles jab as I’m on pred!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Scarysit]

You can have the Shingrix one…. So long as you meet the criteria-

This is from NHS England , but rules are same for devolved areas.

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

[Scarysit in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m having issues with GP! Giving me incorrect information. Finally got a rheumatologist who cannot believe the advice I’ve been given since diagnosed!! He’s very supportive and I’m relieved I finally have someone who listens and takes positive action.

Thankyou for response x

[Bramble2000 in reply to Scarysit]

You can have the new one because it’s not live however you need to be on 20mg of Pred to get it on Pred grounds alone. Otherwise it’s done on age and immunity.

[Oh-my in reply to Bramble2000]

Yes my GP surgery allowed me to have the Shingrix vaccine while I was on 10mg. I am 62. They looked it up in the green book/paper and I was eligible.

[Jarofclay]

Did you have the vaccine while you also have a case of the shingles? My GP has been encouraging me to get Shingrix because I have postherpetic neuralgia that shows up in times of stress. I learned that the vaccine shouldn't be given if a person has had shingles within 6 weeks, and I haven't been able to find out from anywhere if that includes a flare of the shingles neuralgia. The neuralgia isn't too bad... usually just a burning sensation that lasts up to minute at a time. I am hesitant to get the vaccine, since it seems these days I don't go 6 weeks without the neuralgia!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jarofclay]

Have you tried writing to the manufacturers or the Medicines Agency?

[Louisa1840 in reply to Jarofclay]

No, I have read because I now have full blown shingles, that I would have to wait a year for the vaccine. It's obvious that the virus is active in your body given your recurring bouts of neuralgia. You would think that would be enough to prevent a full on attack? But try what Pro suggests and write to the manufacturers. I think this whole field of viral immunity plus each individual response is a lot of trial and error. Good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Louisa1840]

Not entirely true - the acute phase must have passed. I suppose there must be some debate over whether the post-herpetic neuralgia counts as part of the acute phase - I would say when the rash is gone, you are out of the acute phase.

"If you had shingles in the past, Shingrix can help prevent future occurrences of the disease. There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated."

cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingl....

[Louisa1840 in reply to PMRpro]

Oh, thanks for that Pro in that case I should be okay to have a Vax in a few days. The rash has nearly gone but the post herpetic neuralgia is still very much present

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Louisa1840]

Hope they let you and it helps - repeated shingles is the next thing to hell!!

[loomweaver]

I had my shingles vax last week, very painful when nurse did it, and had a painful and red arm for 4or 5 days it is just getting better and felt very tired I also thought it might cause a flare of pmr.

[Louisa1840]

One of the symptoms of the Shingles attack that I have ATM is extreme fatigue. This on top of adrenal insufficiency has been awful . However, I'm in my 4th week now and improving by tiny increments every day. Hallelujah! Well done for getting the Vax.