Hi everybody. Just looking at the new advertising campaign for the shingles vaccine although those who are 70-79 are entitled to it looks like those of us over 50 who are severely immune suppressed can have the 2 x dose of (non live) Shingrix from September 1st. Is this right? Please shoot me out the sky if not. If I am right does anyone know how you go about getting the jabs. I hope and pray it’s not GP practices. Nick.
Shingles Vaccine: Hi everybody. Just looking... - Vasculitis UK
Shingles Vaccine
Nick,
Couple of links from NHS England - may be different in other parts of UK - and yes it is via GPs. We have been discussing it on PMRGCAuk forum for last couple of months -
gov.uk/government/publicati...
You're right, they are extending the vaccine from September this year, according to the NHS website. They say it's through your GP, and if you're concerned about getting it, then contact your GP to arrange it. If it's a national programme then surely all GP practices will pull their weight, at least I hope so. Being over 70, I got mine last year, all arranged by my local surgery. Reading all your problems with GP services, I feel I must be one of the lucky ones.
I requested and got Shingrix vaccination a couple of years ago when I was prompted by surgery -had previously declined Zostavax… as had recently gone into remission with GCA
They agreed that although I was no longer immune suppressed -with my history it would be appropriate to be offered the Shingrix one.
Like you, my surgery seems to be one of the better ones…
Yeah, Dorset Lady bit of a race against time for me too, my last Rituximab infusion is in November, I will have just turned 62. If all goes well and my GPA stays at bay by this time next year I will not be immune suppressed or partly which will be good in itself. I won’t be turning on my heels every time somebody coughs or running like Roger Bannister if someone sneezes. We live in hope as always. Nick.
I'm 60 and my nurse told me last week when taking monthly bloods that i would be called by GP practice after Sept 1st as taking methotrexate and prednisolone i am eligible for shingrex. She thought possibly i'd get it when i had this years flu jab to save having extra appointment. Not sure how i feel about having both at once.
Probably not a good idea to have two vaccine together..too much for body to cope with.
Shringrix is given in 2 doses anyway -least 6 weeks apart.…. And has to be sorted out on the day… so not a good idea to try and get it done a designated ‘flu vaccine’ day…
Thank you for your advice.
Anyone over 50 can have it here. If you’re immunocompromised you should get it for sure, I hear shingles can be very unpleasant. Being immunocompromised do you feel comfortable going out and about these days? Do you wear a mask and if so do you feel awkward? I do. They look at me like I have 2 heads
Hi MsAmyM, I do go out and I am very conscious, I wear a mask in crowded places for the benefit of others but to be honest lung infection and the flu worry me a lot more than Covid these days. I have an issue over those who choose not to be vaccinated because I care about others but I know I shouldn’t judge people by my own standards but I guess you find a way to find your personal comfort level without affecting others. Nick.
Hi Investigator1. I am in the States. Last year the first dose of shingrix put me sleeping for a full week. GP told me not to take second shot. Wonder what to do this year?
Yes I agree with DorsetLady. I think there are 2 doses for a reason. But considering it’s lasting protection it may be worth having the second one, Being a Safety Professional I am a belt and braces guy. But that’s me.
I’ve read the government detail on scaling in the introduction of the shingrix vaccine. I am a bit confused , is the scaling in for all those in the age cohort, with immune systems compromised individuals from September 1st able to start the vaccine?
I hope so . I got shingles at 54 resulted in Ramsey hunt syndrome and facial palsy, which did not recover 100%. Treatment on going. This was 6 years ago. Last year I got shingles again and then I got it again this year.
I have been trying to get the vaccine for ages, my gp tried to get it for me as an exceptional case, but was kicked back , told that it is not effective for my age group.
Immunocompromised cohort
Since September 2021, Shingrix® has been available to immunocompromised individuals aged 70 to 79 years, who are contraindicated to receive Zostavax®, as part of the NHS shingles vaccination programme.
The forthcoming change from 1 September 2023 will expand the eligibility to all immunocompromised individuals aged 50 years and over (with no upper age limit).
Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of Shingrix® do not need re-vaccination.
Immunocompromised individuals represent the highest priority for vaccination given their risk of severe disease, and therefore the programme aims to catch up all immunocompromised individuals aged 50 years and over in the first year of the programme implementation.
The second dose should be given 8 weeks to 6 months after the first dose for this cohort, in line with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
Full document here - gov.uk/government/publicati...
i had mine at GP practice, but not until i was over 70 and I am very immunosuppressed x
I was told by our GP practice that I was eligible for the non live vaccine as I lived with someone who was immune suppressed, interesting as I had not thought about it before.
Nick
Following similar question on another forum -just found this re situation in Scotland -so might be worth Scottish members keeping an eye on site -to see if rules follow NHS England -
nhsinform.scot/healthy-livi...
The Scottish Chief Medical Officer has issued details re the Scottish shingles vaccine rollout, including the changes. See sehd.scot.nhs.uk/details.as...