1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

chicken pox

Posted , 8 users are following.

margaret22251
margaret22251

Am i right in thinking that there is a injection available for chicken pox for OAP;S.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Buffy61
    Buffy61 margaret22251

    Posted

    I'm not sure who it is available to but there is an injection one can have if exposed to chicken pox. It is called ZIG (zoster immunoglobulin). Unless you are thinking of the shingles vaccine?? Ask your GP.
  • EileenH
    EileenH margaret22251

    Posted

    There is a shingles vaccine being offered for older patients - and there is a chicken pox vaccine for children. Since both are caused by the same virus I assume they are the same vaccine but very probably have a different dosage. You can only get shingles if you have already had chicken pox in the past so presumably thats why they call them different things.

    They are live attenuated vaccines - live virus that has been weakened so anyone with a damaged immune system or taking immunosuppressant drugs shouldn't have it - and technically that includes those of us who are on pred. 

     

  • fran2498
    fran2498 margaret22251

    Posted

    I'm not sure about chicken pox but I do know that a Shingles vaccination is available for certain ages between 70 and 80.  I was lucky enough to fall into one of the age groups entitled to the vaccine and had mine a couple of years ago.  I would suggest you enquire at your local surgery.
    • Diana112
      Diana112 fran2498

      Posted

      Ditto Fran - I was offered the vaccine when I turned 70 - just over a year ago.  I had been concerned that I might be advised not to have the vaccine but as I was taking under 10 mg pred at the time and hadn't been on above that for a lengthy period I was told it was ok and had no after effects.
  • maid_mariane
    maid_mariane margaret22251

    Posted

    Scientific evidence is that the optimum age for the shingles vaccine is age 60. I got mine just under 60 and my husband at 60. We are in Ontario Canada. I alao got the pneumonia vaccine since ive had it many times.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.