shingrix

[juli-pa]

Does anyone know how long you have to leave it after rutuximab before having the shingles vaccine. I had infusion in December & my GP has never offered this or the pneumonia jab so was going to chase this up. Tia

[PMRpro]

They recommend scheduling it 3 weeks before the next infusion is due. And then the second vaccination 6 months later rather than the 2 months.

[juli-pa in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the update. My infusions are now once a year sorry should have mentioned that in my original post.

[PMRpro in reply to juli-pa]

Then the best person to ask is your doc but after 6 months the vaccine should work

[juli-pa in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Gurberly]

I had my last rituximab infusion in Oct 23. I'm booked in for first shingrix vac next week. I'll be looking to book the 2nd vac for prob early Feb which is about 8 weeks before my next infusion.

I did run through the plan/timings with my consultant at my last clinic visit and he seemed comfortable with what I proposed doing.

The GP surgery never offered me the vaccine. I had to go there and "talk" with them. Receptionist was adamant at the start that I didn't qualify as I am too young. "Computer says no" approach. I had to talk to practice nurse who in the end agreed that the guidelines had changed and labelled me as eligible.

[juli-pa in reply to Gurberly]

Thank you, yes I know what you mean I literally have to chase everything.

[juli-pa in reply to Gurberly]

Just called my doctor receptionist said I was not coming up as eligible here we go again. Now have to call for a telephone appointment in the morning from 8am to book a telephone appointment with the GP. Wish me luck may take a week to get through on the telephone.

[Gurberly in reply to juli-pa]

That's is why I ended up going to the surgery to sort it out... 2 attempts on the phone to get through, and then try and get the receptionist to look beyond her screen. Both attempts led to promises of investigation and a call back by receptionist. That never happened.

Luckily the surgery is just around the corner from home so I was able to walk there in a couple of mins rather than spend 60 mins+ in a phone queue.

[KirstyW1999]

I had the same problem computer said I wasnt eligible, even though I was the correct age and immune suppressed.Finally got an appointment afyer a long conversation with a nurse.

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

Bear in mind you need to have 2 shingles vaccines to (hopefully, given Rituximab) get the protection you need. These can be 2-12 months apart. So you need to potentially fit in 2 vaccines in between or around Ritux. Good luck! I am getting my first shingles vaccine on Thursday. Though fortunately for me I'm not on Rituximab, but MMF, so it's easier to schedule for.

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to vivdunstan]

Just checked: the patient information leaflet for Shingrix says re timings:

"You will receive 2 injections 2 months apart. If flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, the second dose can be administered between 2 and 6 months after the first dose. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may also recommend that you receive the second injection 1 month after the first injection."

(medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

I'm in Scotland and here we're being told we may get our second vaccine 2-12 months after. I'll be sent a second appointment in due course.

[juli-pa]

thank you for the info