From OH CRAP to OH WOW

[OregonLuvr]

The Shingles vaccine is reported to be safe, effective (see below) a percentage of the time. Sorry you got a case, but lets hope its a very mild one.

How effective is this vaccine?
Zoster vaccine was studied in approximately 38,000 individuals throughout the United States who were age 60 years and older as part of its pre-licensure testing. Half received the vaccine and half received a placebo. Study participants were followed for an average of three years to see if they developed shingles and, if they did, how long the pain lasted. Researchers found that the vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by about 50% among persons age 60 years and older. The vaccine is most effective for those age 60–69 years (64%); effectiveness declined with increasing age to 41% for those age 70–79 years and 18% for those age 80 years and older.

Does the zoster vaccine cause shingles?
No, there is no evidence that it can at this time; however, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine sometimes causes a shingles episode. The risk of shingles following vaccination with chickenpox vaccine appears to be less than that following infection with the chickenpox virus. The majority of cases of shingles following chickenpox vaccination have been mild and have not been associated with serious complications.

Can a person who has received the vaccine infect others with this virus?
No. It is safe to be around infants and young children, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems after you get the shingles vaccine. Transmission of the chickenpox virus from a person who has received the shingles vaccine has never been documented. Some people who get the shingles vaccine will develop a chickenpox-like rash near the place where they were vaccinated. As a precaution, this rash should be covered until it disappears.

I found this info helpful

karen

[WickedLady]

Beautiful pictures; thanks. I just got the shingles shot yesterday. I had a very, very mild case of chickenpox as a child so was putting off getting the shot, but so many people seem to be getting shingles that I decided I had best get some protection just in case.

[mtngal]

Beautiful color Carol! Hope your shingles are a light case too! Yesterday at Doc for annual, I got my flu shot but have been putting off shingles vac for a couple years. Had decided to go ahead and do it this year; your experience gives me an added boost in that direction!

Thanks Karen for good information.

[Liz]

Oh, shingles can be very dangerous and I know they are painful. I'm so glad you went to see the dr. and caught them early. Beautiful fall foliage there to take your mind off things.

[AlmostThere]

My sister got the shingles 2 yrs ago (age 77), and still suffers lasting side effects from it. She said the pain was extremely bad, as did my husband when he acquired them at age 55. In both cases they were on the chest/side areas. My SIL's aunt got them on her face and nearly lost her eyesight. It's a disease you want to avoid at all costs.

I remember attending my father's funeral (age 11), with the remainng scabs from what my mother said was measles. When I look at images online and compare measles to chicken pox, I am almost sure it was chicken pox, not measles. In light of that I did get the shingles vaccine at age 60 and was also given the same info on it's effectiveness as what Karen posted.

Don't hesitate in getting vaccinated.

[monik7]

I just want to add that you need to be careful when requesting a shingles shot. You need to make sure whoever is administering the shot is fully aware of your health status. I have rheumatoid arthritis, which is an auto-immune disease, and take 2 medications that lower my immune system. One of these is taken in pill form and the other is administered in a hospital by infusion every 8 weeks. I was shocked when my rheumatologist ordered a shingles shot for me because I had read that people with compromised immune systems should NOT get the shot. I went to the injection clinic and thankfully the nurse there knew the protocols and said I should not have the shot. She insisted on talking to my doctor first and I guess that's when he learned he made a big error. The fact that my own doctor made this mistake was scarey. So just make sure whoever you go to for your shot fully reviews your health situation.

[Nasoosie]

Wow, how scary to think there are docs out there who don't know the risks and benefits of the shingles vaccine! Thanks to everybody for their input on this.

[Bethers]

Wow, how scary to think there are docs out there who don't know the risks and benefits of the shingles vaccine! Thanks to everybody for their input on this.

Soos, that's why people everywhere are taking meds they shouldn't take together. Yep, it's scary, and you have to pay attn.

I can't get the shingles shot for another year. My mother had very bad shingles for the last years of her life, that didn't go away. But I'll weight whether or not I'll do it - 50% isn't a good percentage, to me - but it's better than no percent

[JudyJB]

I got my shingles shot a year ago, after a friend got sick. I actually had shingles when I was 7 years old, and was very, very sick for two months, so they did not know if they should give it to me or if I would be immune, but I feel a lot better to have gotten it.

Got my flu shot as I was walking through a Walmart last month also. Glad I am on Medicare!

It is correct that you can still get shingles even with the shot, but the duration and severity is supposed to be less. Getting sick or injured when I am on the road by myself is a major concern of mine so I try to be extra careful.

[OregonLuvr]

I too did not get the Shingles vaccine at age 60 as I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was on a weekly injectible med (Enbrel) to decrease the over active immune system. While on those meds you should never take a "live virus". The flu shot is an attenuated virus (dead or almost dead ha ha) so that is okay. I have been on NO meds now for 2 years...its great. I manage my symptoms now with Tylenol and Motrin, WAHOO. My Rheumatologist suggested weaning me off and see how I did. There was no change so he agreed to let me keep him on speed dial...just in case. I consider myself very lucky to be med free as that is not the norm.

karen

[snowball]

beautiful pictures the colors are so neat! so sorry to hear about the shingles hmmm don't think I knew about the shot...
one of these days need to go to the dr and do all that many of you are doing right now...was going to do it this summer but now it
is too late to get an appointment so will think about it when I go to Q
get to feeling better ok
sheila

[Carolinagal]

Your topic subject certainly caught my eye !!! Sure picked it right too. Crap !!! So sorry to hear you have the shingles, hoping you caught them early enough they don't hang around very long. Wow !!! the pictures are gorgeous, I love the fall. Our trees are changing but not at peak yet.

Hoping these things leave you quickly so you can really enjoy your trip south.
We're all ready to travel with you, So you need to be in top form.

CArol

[bluepinecones]

Love the fall foliage pixs. Color is forecast to peak here over next ten days; amazing how fast they turn once they start getting a bit of color.
I too put off getting shingles shot; just got mine last spring after 3rd person I know came down with a severe case. The cost is a bit shocking but was 50% covered by my medicare advantage plan.

[asirimarco]

Shingles seem to be under control - not getting better but not getting worse - and don't hurt like I though they would. Lucky me. I'm on predisone for 15 days and a pill as big as a tootsie roll name of Acyclovir...
They are just above my waist below breast and crawling around from front to back. The only time they really bother me is when wearing a seat belt - rubs right on them.
Posted a video on the blog of our drive through the country side coming home yesterday.

[MsJane]

Beautiful pictures! I had shingles on my arm when I was about 19 and it was pretty painful so I ended up at the doctor. I was working at a fast food place so the heat lamps didn't help but the RX did. I only had shingles on a small area unlike what you are dealing with.

Good luck and take care!