Shingles Vaccine

[Investigator1]

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.

[DorsetLady]

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...

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

[Investigator1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset Lady. That’s what worries me. But good to know!

[DorsetLady in reply to Investigator1]

GP surgeries seem to be very like the Curate's egg! Pity the patients who get the bad part...

[May7]

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.

[DorsetLady in reply to May7]

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…

[Investigator1 in reply to DorsetLady]

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.

[piglette in reply to DorsetLady]

When I told the person offering me the Zostavax vaccine that I was unable to have it, she said ‘oh well we can wait until you stop taking the steroids’.

[DorsetLady in reply to piglette]

🤦🏻‍♀️

[Investigator1 in reply to piglette]

Wow! In truth doing their job, in reality being totally ignorant to the term CEV.

[May7 in reply to piglette]

That is absolutely dreadful! Leaves me speechless!

[Investigator1 in reply to May7]

Must be May but I am glad about that andI maybe jumping the gun so I’ll see.

[Varp]

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.

[DorsetLady in reply to Varp]

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…

[Varp in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your advice.

[Investigator1 in reply to Varp]

Yes I second that, thanks so much to everybody for your responses as ever a complete pleasure to hear from you. Really helpful.

[MsAmyM in reply to DorsetLady]

My pharmacy recommends against having both at once. If you have side effects, you won’t know which vaccine caused the side effect

[DorsetLady in reply to MsAmyM]

Quite!

[MsAmyM]

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

[Varp in reply to MsAmyM]

In June i was hospitalised with pneumonia and pleurisy and am still definately wearing a mask when out. People do look, but i think its to read my lanyard saying "immune compromised please give me space" I smile then realise i've got the mask on😂

[Investigator1]

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.

[MrsMarigold]

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?

[DorsetLady in reply to MrsMarigold]

You shouldn’t need another vaccine this year….. depending on age it can last between 5-10 years… but it might be worth checking as you only had one of the recommended two doses.

[MrsMarigold in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[Investigator1]

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.

[25clai]

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.

[DorsetLady in reply to 25clai]

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...

[25clai in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much for this info and making it clear for me. I am so pleased. This is a result. I will try and book an appointment nearer the time it starts.

[DorsetLady in reply to 25clai]

Good …

[Poshcards]

i had mine at GP practice, but not until i was over 70 and I am very immunosuppressed x

[Main1234]

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.

[DorsetLady in reply to Main1234]

That’s very sensible…. many years ago I was advised to get flu vaccine (even though I was healthy and below normal age limit ) because late husband had coronary issues.

[Varp in reply to Main1234]

My husband was given the non live due to my immune suppression. My consultant sent letter of authorisation to GP as it had to be ordered in specially.

[DorsetLady]

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...

[Investigator1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DorsetLady, really helpful. We will both keep an eye out I think.

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to DorsetLady]

The Scottish Chief Medical Officer has issued details re the Scottish shingles vaccine rollout, including the changes. See sehd.scot.nhs.uk/details.as...

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to vivdunstan]

P.S. click through to read the full letter with up to date details.

[DorsetLady in reply to vivdunstan]

Thank you….. will pass this on to Scottish members on other forums who have asked the question….