I had a Shingrix (shingles) vaccine today, from the NHS (free), because I'm immune-suppressed and over 50

[AutumnCrow]

Just that really. I'm on an immune-suppressing biologic drug for auto-immune disease(s), and after a bit of a tussle with my GP surgery <waves, and thanks> I finally got jabbed with Shingrix #1 this morning.

Next one (2 of 2) is in 8 weeks.

Please may I encourage anyone in the same category as me - immune-suppressed and over 50 years old - to take advantage of this vaccine programme that was introduced by the NHS on the 1st September this year. Boots do offer it privately but the cost for the course is £450 thus prohibitive for many. The NHS jabs via your GP are free. You must go through your GP to receive the jabs for free. This is not an active vaccine and is safe for immune-suppressed people.

Please don't wait to be called in. My GP surgery is having some real time and admitted issues with flagging up patients on immune-suppressing biologics on its (new-ish) data system. If in doubt, ring and explain.

I'm happy to help to look up anyone's meds for them in the 'Green Book'. Mine is Adalimumab, a commonly used TNF-blocker for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that for some reason my GP surgery didn't recognise or compute.

Thank you for posting
I will look into this again, as I have cancer (incurable), and about to go on maintenance drugs which can drop your white cells.
not sure what part of the immune system works against shingles

I asked my GP before about this, but was told I was too young (55), but it’s the immunosuppression bit that’s the problem, but my age. I’ve had shingles before and I don’t want it back and possibly worse.

…not my age…

auto correct needs uninvented.

Useful information if I ever get to see the hospital consultant to go on those drugs. Been a year of untreated lupus so far *sighs

Plus an unashamed bookmark. Thank you!

You are very welcome.

I wasn’t letting this one go with my GP surgery! It’s clearly now laid out in JCVI and NHS guidance. And the guidance has been accepted by the NHS, and Shingrix is to be offered as of 1/9/23 to over 50s who are immune-suppressed as per the ‘Green Book’ (all online).

I suspect the work by GP surgeries to identify and flag these patients isn’t being done in some cases for various reasons.

I rarely start threads but think this is extremely important. Be proactive.

Do you happen to know if that applies in Scotland as well?

Let me check, @RedRosesPinkLilies, and I'll also add some links when I'm on my PC.

I am on Methotrexate injections for RA. Does that count? I am late 60s.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination/#:~:text=From%201%20September%202023%2C%20you,to%20have%20your%20shingles%20vaccine.

Yes, @RedRosesPinkLilies this information page says it is now available in Scotland for the same cohorts:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-vaccine/#:~:text=What%20vaccine%20will%20be%20offered,the%20Shingrix%20patient%20information%20leaflet.

I'll link to the 'Green Book' definitions of immune-compromised and we can try and work it out. Methotrexate in and of itself is not usually regarded as a 'severely' immune-compromising drug but the underlying disease of RA is, I believe, mentioned. But as I said, do let me check.

(The Green Book is the UK Government's immunisation 'bible', so to speak)

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book

I have a relative undergoing chemo at present, but it's been very gruelling with lots of side effects.

Could she request it after the chemo is over? We are in NI

Hello all,

The Box on Page 7 of this latest version of the Green Book is the especially relevant section for us all. (Although it's all fascinating.)

@JustCheckingforMe and @RedRosesPinkLilies - yes, you do appear to be eligible. @Pixiedust1234 you could well be, under the 'in anticipation' [of receiving the drugs] guideline.

Please may I stress that a lot of eligible patients have not and will not be contacted by their GPs. The GP surgeries have not had time to do the trawl, nor do some of their computer systems seem capable of the task. I am finding more and more that it is being left up to me, the patient, to research and present my case about immunisations. (My own GP's latest system seems unable to properly 'flag' severe immune suppression, which is a bit of a bummer. The practice nurse I saw yesterday was very unhappy about it.)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1174008/Shingles_Green_Book_on_Immunisation_Chapter_28a_26_7_23.pdf

How old is she, @NigellaAwesome? Is she over 50 years of age? If so, then yes. This is a UK-wide programme now, thankfully.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/shingles-vaccine#toc-5

Thank you very much OP. I had a look and I am not eligible atm, unless my consultant increases my dose, but that was very useful to read.

Thank you op, I'm not 50 until Jan but will enquire then. I suspect my GP will deny all knowledge 😂

I had my shingles vaccine a year ago (single "live" vaccine) as part of the over 65's group at my GP surgery. I did feel really under the weather afterwards (not exactly unwell, but absolutely none of the joys of Spring) for a few days. One less thing to worry about. 🌹

I agree with you to take it you get offered it. I’ve just had shingles (over 60) but not on any immune suppressing drugs or considered to be immune compromised.

Its just been a stressful year and that apparently was enough.

Thanks OP, do you know if a combination of fortnightly Infliximab injections and daily Azathioprine tablets qualifies?

Infliximab is very similar to the biologic that I'm on, @LulooLemon (Adalimumab), so yes I would say so. (I'm also on fortnightly injections.)

Are you 50+ years old?

I asked my GP before about this, but was told I was too young

They changed the eligibility criteria this year, wef 18 September.

It's a 2 part jab, with the second part being given anywhere between 2-6 months after the first (can be done at a shorter interval in certain circumstances) and they recommend those with immune system issues go for 2 months rather than longer.

Thank you from another adulimumab user. I thought the shingles vaccine was live

As I said upthread, I had a lively tussle with my GP surgery but I held firm and maintained that I was eligible and demonstrated why and how.

I think part of the problem is that the GP surgeries either haven't done the trawls for eligible patients or haven't been able to do them fully because, for example, staff aren't recognising individual drugs like Adalimumab as belonging to named eligible categories in the Green Book like 'soluble TNF receptors'. Some of it is down to record keeping and poor system design.

Anyway, all good now and my surgery will be getting a thank you present for sorting it out.

@AutumnCrow Yes, I'm in my 50s. Thanks v much for the info. I'll ask at the GP surgery next week. I've had shingles before and it was truly horrendous.

Zostavax is the live vaccine (one shot)

NHS is moving over to Shingrix (not live, 2 shots) and if you are getting it for medical reasons between age 50 and 64, or are 65 or over with immune issues you should have Shingrix

Luckily the non-live Shingrix is now the NHS's preferred option for everyone eligible - which is brilliant as it's much more effective than the other one anyway