Shingles Vacination.

[jackrussell]

I have just received a letter from my surgery informing me that I am now eligible to have a one-off shingles vaccination , has anyone had this ? Are there any side effects that we need to be aware of ,and is it something we should consider having, Thankyou.

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

As a live vaccine it's problematic for immunosuppressed people, because it could give them chickenpox, which can kill adults. The Vasculitis UK charity has detailed advice at

vasculitis.org.uk/living-wi...

But really you need to speak to your medics about this. I'd recommend asking your consultant for advice - phone the secretary if you don't have a dedicated vasculitis nurse or email contact - rather than the GP.

[jackrussell in reply to vivdunstan]

Thankyou for the reply,pleased I asked,I am seeing my Rhuemy next week and may mention it for his information only, but have decided against, .

[zoe69 Moderator Volunteer Vasculitis UK]

As Viv already said you need to discuss this with your consultant. If you are immunosuppressed I think they will advise against it.

If you are in full remission the risks have to be analysed prior taking a decision.

[Honey46311]

Hi,

It was actually my Rheumatologist that recommended me to get the shingle shot because I was starting another round of infusions. I haven’t received it yet. There are two different types of Shingle shots (a live one which is an old one and a dead virus which is the newer one but requires it to be taken at 2 months and 6 months. )

I’m only 42 but she wants me to take it because of my compromised immune system. I’m still on the fence as well.

Hope this helps.

webmd.com/skin-problems-and...

[charleydee]

I have been advised to never have live vaccines. Please check with your specialist not GP.

[jackrussell]

Thankyou all for the replies, I will mention it to my Rhuemy who I am seeing next week, I would not ask my GP as he hasn’t shown any real knowledge of Vasculitis and it’s treatment in the past, but have decided not to have the vacination anyway.Thankyou all for helpful messages.

[Hidden]

I was told there is only a live vaccine and must not have it. You can discuss it with your consultant then decide.

[notoverme2]

I have GPA and I was told that if I was in remission that I could take shingles shot. I took the newer one (Zostavax) since it is more than 90% effective (cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingl... ) .

The old one was less than 50% effective. You need to take 2 shots with the 2nd one between 2 to 6 months apart. They also say if you can't get by 6 months up to a year is ok. I had not reaction. It sure beats the shingles as that will be worse for those of us that have GPA.

[PMRpro in reply to notoverme2]

Zostavax is the original shingles vaccine - the new one is called Shingrix (as the link says). There is some concern about the use of the Shingrix vaccine in immunocompromised patients as it may stimulate the immune system too much - and the consequences of that are unknown. It hasn't been tested in patients with autoimmune disease.

[notoverme2 in reply to PMRpro]

You are right the new shingles vaccine is Shingrix. I got them mixed up. I took the old one a few years back. I did take the new one and had no reaction.

[Christmasbell]

Hi Jackrussell please check that out with your consultant as I was told that I could not have that vaccine as it was a live one and would cause me more harm

[lisat96]

There is a brand new shingles vaccine which is not a live virus. It's called Shingrix. It's taken as a 2 shot series. My rheumatologist told me this one is safe for immunocompromised people. I had this vaccine and it did not give me chicken pox. I did have a 24 hour mild fever after the second dose though.

[EdieBD]

The newer one, Shingrix, is not live-vaccine. It comes in two doses, I believe you take the second one 4 to 6 months. I have taken both dosages. And, even the older vaccine, but that was before I was put on powerful immunosuppressants. Shingrix is one tough vaccine to take. I cried in pain, as it lit all my nerves aflame, and on day three I got a 102.8 fever. Maybe take it on a Friday, with a family around to spoil you. I was prepared for the second dose to be even worse, but it was not so bad. Google reactions so you go in informed. We are all pretty sensitive, so expect a strong reaction. I was so immunosuppressed, I did manage to get a case of shingles between the doses, but so small compared to what it would have been without the vaccines. I knew I needed to get it done. My mother suffered so horribly with her breakout, but she had not taken a vaccine. The newer vaccine has MUCH better protection, and is expected to last. All the best to you.

[karools16]

I have GCA. Had chicken-pox twice in childhood. Eligible for Shingles vac, and at age 71, had it done a few weeks ago, with only an itchy arm for a few days.

[SandieB]

Hi there I also had a letter from my GP about a shingles vaccination, I have been in touch with my consultant and because iam having Retuximab yearly I can only have the vaccine 1year before Retuximab or 4 weeks after so I have declined whether right or wrong. Hope you get the right answer.

[SkinHorse]

Wow, thanks to all who replied here! I’m 3 years on MPO vasc.I had been told can’t have ‘live vaccine’ which would mean no shingles jab BUT I will ask my consultant next week when I see her re the ‘double jab’. I definitely do not want to get that horrid thing!