Shingles vaccination

I had this shot in my left arm on Tuesday of this week. Today it is red and itching. Has anyone had this shot and had this type reaction.

CDC reports that 1 in 3 have those symptoms.

That is interesting. Thanks. For sure, the doctors office wanted me to go in so they could take a look. I said, not thanks, not unless it gets much worse than now. For now I am using cortisone anti itch creme

I've been thinking about getting that vaccination.  I had chickenpox as a child and am 57 now.  From what I have heard about shingles it isn't something that I want to have to deal with.

Denice said:

I've been thinking about getting that vaccination.  I had chickenpox as a child and am 57 now.  From what I have heard about shingles it isn't something that I want to have to deal with.

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My mother had shingles last April. The pain and stomach upset were so bad she was almost at the point of mental breakdown. She is still having complications which include pain in the area he rash was in and stomach upset at times. I highly recommend everyone that is eligible get the shot.

I, on the other hand, at he age of 44 have never had chicken pox. I couldn't get anywhere near her for quite a while. I am finally breaking down and getting the chicken pox vaccine the week after next.

Icing the area will help with itching. Benedryl might help too.

Last year I had the shingles too. Before I got to the dotors,it went away so I called and he said things were ok I didn't need a shot. I'm ok and haven't had them sine.

I will try the ice today if it still bothers me. For now, it appears to be easing off some. Hubby had it when I did. His arm is fine. I understand that they recommend this shot for everyone, if you have had chicken pox, if you have not and if you don't know. I am not sure if they recommend the shot if you have had the shingles. I guess that is a question everyone should ask their doctor. I have known several friends who had shingles and it was very painful for them. My best friend couldn't wear her underclothes because of the pain. My cousin can no longer play the piano because of the nerve damage. I am glad I finally got the nerve to have the shot, even though it has bothered me some. My doctor says shingles is worse when older people get them and I really shouldn't keep putting it off. So I have been obedient to my doctor.:lol3:

blueyedgirl5946 said:

...I understand that they recommend this shot for everyone, if you have had chicken pox, if you have not and if you don't know. 

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Although the shingles vaccine is approved for people 50 years and older,  it is recommended for people over 60. Evidently it is not very effective for those under 60 for some reason.

My concern is about the fact that it's a live virus, that ideally stimulates your immune system. That's great if you are certain your immune system is working fine and not overloaded at the moment, but introducing a live virus when you can't fight it well is a very bad idea. The vaccine is not recommended for people with immune problems, or pregnant women.

SwampWitch said:

Although the shingles vaccine is approved for people 50 years and older,  it is recommended for people over 60. Evidently it is not very effective for those under 60 for some reason.

My concern is about the fact that it's a live virus, that ideally stimulates your immune system. That's great if you are certain your immune system is working fine and not overloaded at the moment, but introducing a live virus when you can't fight it well is a very bad idea. The vaccine is not recommended for people with immune problems, or pregnant women.

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The recommendation is due to the severity of disease progression in people 60 years and older, rather than a lack of efficacy in those younger than 60 years of age. It is a live vaccine since that is the only way to develop immunity to that specific virus. All live virus vaccines are contraindicated for pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and suppressed immune systems.

I had shingles about 15 years ago. It was a mild case, and I knew what it was the moment I saw the rash, so I started on an anti-viral within 24 hours, which helped to minimize the spread and ensured that I wasn't left with long term pain from them.  The pain is awful.  Itchy, but also like being stabbed, especially when the area is touched.  And many are left with long term or even life long pain because they don't get on anti-virals in the early stage.

I'm all for vaccinations, but I'm not sold on this vaccine.  The majority of those who have had chicken pox, will not get shingles. So why tempt fate? At least that's my opinion.  I definitely don't recommend getting it when you are anything but 100% well though. Because it's a live virus, if you are immunocompromised in anyway, your risk of developing shingles from the vaccination increases.

Apparently I had a mild reaction to this shot. Today, the itching is much better. The hard knot is gone and it is barely red.

Good! I wish I could afford the shot, I've had two mild cases of shingles before. It's awful!

It is one of the expensive ones.  The Little Clinics at the Kroger stores in this area charges $225 for it.  They also give it at the Kroger pharmacy,  I don't know how much they are there but it's probably the same price.  I always get vaccinations there because insurance won't pay for adult vaccinations and they are cheaper there than at the doctor's office. 

I can't afford the vaccine, insurance doesn't pay for it.  I've heard that's it's only 50-50 effective anyway. I sure don't want to get shingles (my aunt had them), but there's just no way I can pay $200+ for it either.  (And $400+ if DH gets one too).

peaches08 said:

Good! I wish I could afford the shot, I've had two mild cases of shingles before. It's awful!

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Not sure, but I am thinking the advice is they don't give it to folks who have already had shingles.

blueyedgirl5946 said:

Not sure, but I am thinking the advice is they don't give it to folks who have already had shingles.

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According to the CDC, if you have already had a case of shingles, you probably won't have them again.  That is why they use a live virus in the shots.

You can get the vaccine to help prevent future outbreaks, even if you have had shingles before.

catspaw66 said:

According to the CDC, if you have already had a case of shingles, you probably won't have them again.  That is why they use a live virus in the shots.

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The live virus has to do with how the body develops immunity to that specific virus. And my last case of shingles was when I was 34 years old. Thankfully both times I had it was mild, but I mean to tell you it was awful!

peaches08 said:

You can get the vaccine to help prevent future outbreaks, even if you have had shingles before.
The live virus has to do with how the body develops immunity to that specific virus.

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That's good to know.  I was wondering about that.

Misty8723 said:

I can't afford the vaccine, insurance doesn't pay for it.  I've heard that's it's only 50-50 effective anyway. I sure don't want to get shingles (my aunt had them), but there's just no way I can pay $200+ for it either.  (And $400+ if DH gets one too).

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My mother had gotten the shingles vaccine. And she got shingles anyway. Rick and I have talked about getting the vaccine, but are leery if it really works.