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Should I get a Shingle Vaccine?

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Posted 3/3/2019 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
My husband is experiencing a case of Shingles, I had chickenpox and Shingles many years ago( before UC)
Because of UC and being on Imuran I was wondering:
Could I have Shingles again? Should I get the Vaccine ?
I will try to contact my dr tomorrow and ask about it.
Posted 3/4/2019 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Call your doctor, I believe shingles is a live vaccine and usually they don’t want us getting live vaccines on Imuran, but I could be wrong.
Posted 3/4/2019 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
I (and my husband) will be getting the shingrix vaccine this year. It's 2 injections...around 6 months apart. My neighbour had it done last year...no repercussions.

I think it's a good idea with a much better protection than the previous vaccine (which was a live virus).....Shingrix is not.

How is your husband doing and where is his? Is he on an antiviral?

q
Posted 3/4/2019 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Did you go to your GP for that Q? I am considering it too.
Posted 3/4/2019 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, my GP gave me an rx for it. Apparently Shoppers Drug Mart in my city can't get them (supplier?) Costco can....a bit less expensive there as well.

q
Posted 3/4/2019 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I wouldn't have even thought of Costco - thanks!
Posted 3/4/2019 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Tomorrow I will contact my dr and ask about it.
He is in pain, shooting nerve pain, his neck , shoulder and his arm (the left side) shingles affect one side only.
The blisters are only on his left arm
He is taking Over the counter pain reliever and applying 4% lidocaine cream
No antivirals,
Posted 3/4/2019 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Has he seen a doctor? And why no antiviral? It should shorten the duration. Gabapentin could be helpful for the nerve pain....mabe cbd?

He should take L- Lysine if he's not on anything else. Hope he has a quick recovery and no lasting nerve pain.

q
Posted 3/4/2019 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Serenity....welcome. let me know how it goes.
I'm havig issues with my stomach and back pain....I'm going to wait till after I have an upper scope.

q
Posted 3/4/2019 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
The sooner he gets on an anti-viral, the less likely he is to have longer lasting nerve pain. I would definitely ask his doctor about an anti-viral. I got shingles about 16 years ago, but was lucky enough to catch it right away and take anti-viral right away. I didn't experience the intense nerve pain that time. Early treatment is imperative.
Posted 3/4/2019 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
He consulted a dermatologist, he said to him antiviral will not benefit him that much, he suggested a pain killers Neurontin, and another one. But my husband doesn’t want to take any, despite being in pain!
Posted 3/4/2019 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
quincy, what is L-lysine?
Posted 3/4/2019 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
https://aor.ca/products/l-lysine
q
Posted 3/4/2019 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation recommends Shingrix for anyone on systemic immunosuppression (I see you are on Imuran). That said, Shingrix is backordered right now (and many places are giving first access to the limited supply to people over age 50) so you may have to wait awhile before you can get access to it.
Posted 3/4/2019 8:55 AM (GMT 0)
I took an antiviral when I had chicken pox. One doc told me you have to start within 48 hours so there was no point (I started on the 3rd day) but I have to say it made a massive difference in my symptoms and was worth doing.
Posted 3/5/2019 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all !
I contacted my GI office and they recommended Shingrix Vaccine, they will send the order to CVS, I hope I Can get it soon!
My husband’s doctor did recommend the Shingrix Vaccine to him few months ago, but it’s only available through the CVS and they had shortage at that time, and unfortunately the virus was faster than the Vaccine! What a coincidence!
Good luck to you all!
Posted 3/5/2019 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear it will be ordered. My husband will be getting the first one this afternoon from Costco.
q
Posted 3/6/2019 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
To be honest I’m afraid to take it!
I used to suffer from bad and long flu,each time after getting the flu shot, so I stopped taking it.
I’m afraid same will happen with this vaccine.
Posted 3/6/2019 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hard to say regarding shingrix....flu shot isn't live, so doesn't cause the flu. But side effects of fever and achey body can definjtely happen.

My husband has a slightly sore upper arm, but otherwise he is fine.

Certainly your decision. Shingles isn't communicatable like flu or measles....so it's only you protecting yourself from how it could affect you.

q
Posted 3/6/2019 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto shingrix is a dead vaccine for shingles, so you should be fine.
Posted 3/6/2019 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Q, do you mind sharing how much did it cost at Costco?
Posted 3/6/2019 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Serenity...in Wpg....$134 to purchase if taking it to your doctor. Addition of $12 if injected by Costco pharmacy.
q
Posted 3/6/2019 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, thanks.
Posted 3/7/2019 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome
q
Posted 3/10/2019 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
I don't touch vaccines now that I have auto-immune. My immune system can barely handle the day to day world as it is.
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