Forum Discussion

Brenda5's avatar
Brenda5
Member
9 years ago

Shingles

I was fortunate not to get shingles during my treatment and possibly I still have a little childhood protection against Shingles which is adult form of chicken pox. It is very painful and the only treatment seems to be pain management until its gone. My parents are elderly and have opted to go and have an inoculation as several of their elderly friends have been getting shingles. Should I consider having one as well? I have heard that chemo does knock out a lot of immunity to things.
pain
  • Mima's avatar
    Mima
    Member
    9 years ago
    Also receiving blood products or immunoglobulin in last 3 months, or another live vaccine -e.g. a vaccine Measles,mumps, &/or rubella in the last month is a contraindication as these may affect your uptake of the shingles vaccine.
    For people under 50 years the varicella vaccine may also be more appropriate if doctors agree on safety of vaccinating.
  • Mima's avatar
    Mima
    Member
    9 years ago
    Shingles occurs as when you get chickenpox the virus (varicella) stays in in your system  and can occur years later as shingles along nerve lines. Yes it is very painful -just had it in August 2016 whilst overseas and developed secondary bacterial infection in one nodule. Took 10 weeks for nerve pain subside enough, to come off medication for this pain. Then 2 weeks later had routine screening mammogram and then got my BC diagnosis 3 weeks later just before Christmas!!
    2016 not my favourite year!!

    Shingles vaccine is now free for over 70s but costs for other ages except some health groups I think. Talk to GP or public health unit before having vaccines to discuss avisability in your own case before having it to rule out any risks especially if presently undergoing any treatments.
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Brenda, my husband and I both had shingles vaccine which was supposed to be for life - however we have just had another as it turns out you need a booster.  Originally it cost $500 per shot, but has now reduced to $250.  We thought it was definitely the way to go as shingles is so painful. (We had both had chickenpox as children too.)  I would consider it seriously. x