I've known 3 people in the past two years come down with shingles. One caught it right away (she's a nurse) and two didn't. The two that didn't were in agony for months so I've been going to get the shot for a while. A friend of mine texted me a pic Friday night asking if I had any idea what he had on his chest. Shingles. I got my first shot today and go back in 2-4 months for a second, I'm not playing with that crap at all if I can avoid it.

That one scares me, too.

There is a "new" shot, and the old vaccine. The old one doesn't last very long, in terms of protection. Which did you get?

Shingrix (the new one) is the one everyone should be getting. It is much more effective than Zostavax, in the 90+% range vs mid 60% range (if that, I can't remember the exact number) of Zostavax. It is a 2 dose series, your local chain pharmacy should be carrying it. There are currently some supply issues with the vaccine, so they may be temporarily out of stock. We are trying to stock up on it to take care of our customers.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Erick85,

I got the old one when I turned 60. Waiting for the new one to arrive.

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Shingrix (the new one) is the one everyone should be getting.

This is on my list for next doctor visit for sure.

Be VERY careful here!

The shingles vaccine uses live varicella-zoster (chickenpox) virus and some folks, due to either medical condition, drugs being taken, or both, SHOULD NOT ever have any vaccine with a live virus.

Such is my case.

The new Shingrix is said to NOT use a live virus so I'll be checking with my physician about suitability for my use.

The new Shingrex vaccine has been on my A Round Tuit list for awhile. This is a good reminder to call my doc and take care of it.

Yep. Expect some mild side effects of flu like symptoms depending on your immune system. The older you are the less the side effects. I had the earlier vaccine and had a mild case of shingles treated promptly with acyclovir. I am hoping that this vaccine will be more effective. As noted earlier clincial trials are encouraging in that regard.

I had the old vaccine probably three or four years ago, as I recall I was told it's all I'll ever need. Is it advisable to get the new one now even after having the other one?

At what age should someone consider the vaccine? Thanks.

My Doc told me I should get one when I turn 60.

I caught shingles last year on the right side of my face and scalp. Had three blisters in and around my right eye and the docs were concerned that I might lose my sight

it was very painful and was fortunate that I didn't scar too badly

fortunately I didn't but when I realized what I had, I went to the doc and it was too late to get a shot

I can get a prescription for one this year and I probably will

Got the first dose of the new shot a couple weeks ago. I was told to come back for the second dose in six months.
My wife had shingles about six years ago. Nothing I want to ever get.

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I had the old vaccine probably three or four years ago, as I recall I was told it's all I'll ever need. Is it advisable to get the new one now even after having the other one?

Yep. New vaccine much more effective.

I heard them advertise the shot on tv and one of the drawbacks is that it may cause shingles.

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Originally posted by bald1:
Be VERY careful here!

The shingles vaccine uses live varicella-zoster (chickenpox) virus and some folks, due to either medical condition, drugs being taken, or both, SHOULD NOT ever have any vaccine with a live virus.

Such is my case.

The new Shingrix is said to NOT use a live virus so I'll be checking with my physician about suitability for my use.

One of the benefits of Shingrix, is that it isn't a live vaccine. It is suitable for those who couldn't get Zostavax due to certain medical conditions and medications.

I had shingles a few years back. It was a bad scene. I got a shot last year because my wife came down with them. Now you tell me I need another shot? Will the madness ever end?

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Originally posted by ridewv:
I had the old vaccine probably three or four years ago, as I recall I was told it's all I'll ever need. Is it advisable to get the new one now even after having the other one?

Yes it is advisable to get it. When you received Zostavax 3 to 4 years ago, Shingrix wasn't available and it was a one time dose.

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Originally posted by Airpusher:
I had shingles a few years back. It was a bad scene. I got a shot last year because my wife came down with them. Now you tell me I need another shot? Will the madness ever end?

The new vaccine is MUCH more effective than Zostavax. 90+% efficacy for Shingrix.