Shingles vaccination: to have it or not

[YerMaw16608]

Has anyone any helpful info on whether shingles vaccination is 100% necessary? I've heard several folk say they found it very unpleasant, and some even missed the second vaccination because they were anxious about that.

The shingles vaccine has been available in the US for awhile for older adults (at younger ages than in the UK). My parents live in the US and have had it with no problems (same with all their friends)

So I've looked at the green book. I'm 67 so in that group that has to wait until 70.
I'm on less than 20mg of methotrexate so that doesn't count. HCQ and sulphasalazine don't count. I missed my chance apparently a few months ago when I had a course of high dose steroids.
Based on this thread I will seriously consider forking out £460

It's like the Covid vaccine - you may still contract it but hopefully in a much lesser form.

Thank you both. Yes, I've told her she can't have got it from the vaccine, but she just believes she did so won't get the second dose.

It was back in March I think. Maybe she was given the older version? She may be immune compromised, she has chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is a painful injection to receive and my arm was tender for about 5 days afterwards. I couldn't lie on that side.

Much better than actual shingles, I’m too young to have it but my Dad had it and no side effects at all

You can obtain the vaccine privately fairly easily now in the U.K. ( from Boots or private pharmacies) if you’re over 55. It’s expensive though. However if you’re lucky enough to be in the financial position to be able to pay for cosmetic injections etc (eg Botox etc!) maybe consider the merits of investing in your health as well/ instead.

I can't wait.

I fear shingles so much that I paid to have the less effective vaccination a few years ago, when Shingrix wasn't yet available. The one plus about reaching 70 this month was that I can now make an appointment for the good one.

As far as I know, the newer Shingrix has been the preferred vaccine since late 2023, so I do think it’s just one of those unfortunate coincidences. What a shame.

I had it but had such a bad reaction I was in bed for almost a week afterwards. Had to take a whole week’s sick leave from work which I’ve never had to do.

because of that I never went for the 2nd but apparently if you have a big reaction to the first, it normally means it’s taken anyway!

One of my close friends has such a horrible bout of shingles currently. And the effects could be long lasting. When I’m old enough I’ll definitely have it.

I have had both shingles vaccines and no side effects at all , I have previously had shingles and even mildly it was hideous, I recommend having a vaccination against it

Definitely get it. Two of my relatives were never the same again after having had shingles in their 70s.

Have it! It stopped my Mum’s shingles from being a lot worse than it could have been. And apparently could prevent/slow down dementia https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2985389-shingles-vaccine-may-help-prevent-and-slow-dementia,-study-finds

Thank you all for your info, own experiences etc. I will definitely take up my appointment for it now. Especially interested to hear about the 'dementia' info.

My mum was left disabled as a result of shingles which took a long time to diagnose. She was left with very severe damage in one of her legs. It was a very painful illness that also led to depression and changed her life. I’d take the vaccine.

My df lost the sight in an eye with shingles.

Is the NHS one different from the paid one? I seem to remember reading that there was a superior (£££) available.

No. The shingrix vaccination is the best and is the one offered both privately and on the NHS now I believe.