To say, shingles vaccines!

[user109876543]

As a public service announcement.

Get them if you're of an age, and encourage any older parents or relatives to get them.

Not only do they protect against the nightmare of shingles, but there is now good evidence they have a protective effect against dementia.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03201-5

I've had shingles twice. Not even badly but it was bloody miserable and sore. Had a colleague who had it in his eyes - unbearable, don't even want to think about it. Will be knocking on the door when I'm eligible!

It says the live vaccine is... Which is also now phased out in the UK

Wish I could get it, shingles looks miserable.

@Poppyseeds79 , read on. It says:

"We show that the recombinant vaccine is associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in the 6 years post-vaccination."

My DH had it. Indeed miserable. Didn't look like a terrible rash, tbh, but really painful.

Two of my elderly relatives had it. One the eyes were affected and one the foot. Awful. I've got three years till I'm eligible for the vaccine but I'm considering paying for it privately.

I’ve never had chickenpox ( I’m 66) Do I need a shingles vaccination? Can I still get shingles?

@Apreslapluielesoleil

www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/shingles-vaccine/

Yes, the non-live Shingrix vaccine is even more effective than the older live Zostavax one at preventing dementia.

I've had both Shingrix vaccines (on the NHS - I'm immune-suppressed) and tbh I was looking at paying for them anyway (£450 for both) because they are such a brilliant invention.

I paid privately. I saw the pain that shingles gave my cousin and decided that wasn't for me! It was about £100 if I recall correctly

I was shocked at how expensive it is when I looked it up.

£229.50 in Superdrug

Are you sure you haven't? May be worth getting your immunity tested, as sometimes people have very mild or even asymptomatic cases and don't realise.

I had shingles, it was a very small spot compared to a lot of people but the pain was horrendous. And I was lucky, it didn't last long, some people still have pain a year later.

Get the vaccine. Its worth any penny.

Bloody hell.

£229.50 will be for just the initial dose.

The Shingrix vax is designed to be a two dose vaccination. I had mine on the NHS last year as I meet the age eligibility. My 2nd dose is due in June.

https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/services/shingles-vaccination/

• When to get vaccinated: The shingles vaccine is suitable for patients aged 50 years and over.

There is a small but significant group of elderly people age 67-69 who are not eligible. Too young for the original over 70 cut off but too old for the current over 65 cut off so have to wait

It’s always a good idea to make something that should be simple more complicated isn’t it? Just say age 60 necessary jabs are free. Older people getting ill take up more NHS resources getting well again so saves money in the long run.

My husband got one jab… and then got shingles!

A friend had shingles before she was eligible for the jab. Based on her experience, she urges everyone to get jabbed as soon as they are eligible.

Absolutely have the vaccine if you can. My DH had shingles during the first covid lockdown and still has post-herpetic neuralgia. Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

The vaccine supply needs to be managed, hence why it’s a phased programme. Not enough to give to everyone 60-80 all at once. Currently only those turning 65 and turning 70 are eligible, or they’re 70-79 inclusive. (Others may remain eligible after turning 65 depending on their birthdate). Those 50+ who are severely immunocompromised are also eligible.

It’s a very expensive vaccine too, even the NHS cost is almost £320 per person. That’s just the vaccine, not factoring in administering it.

@Apreslapluielesoleil you may have a subclinical varicella infection, and still get shingles. If you’re eligible, get the vaccine.

I had shingles a few years ago in my mid-30s and it was pretty miserable. I was lucky it went away fully but it can linger for ages. If you're eligible for the vaccine, get it!

I've just had my first shot in Boots today - £230; with another jab (+ another £230) in a few weeks. I'm 53 so not eligible on the NHS for years but after seeing the effect on an old schoolfriend this year I bit the bullet and paid. He had it badly and has taken months to get back to being himself.