Prednisone and Zostavax - conflicting info
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi All,
I am wondering if it is safe for me to have the shingles vaccine. I have been taking prednisone for 2 1/2 years. Currently at 9mg/8mg alternating.
Thanks,
Diana🌸
0 likes, 12 replies
tony80950 Mrs.Mac-Canada
Posted
Tony
Mrs.Mac-Canada tony80950
Posted
i think because it is a "live" immunization it can cause an activation of shingles if you're immune system is compromised or if you're on corticosteroids but I read it was only at high doses of prednisone. That's probably why your Dr. Decided against it. Since I am at 9/8mg I might be OK but will defer to the pros here on the forum.
Cheers,
Diana🌸
tina-uk_cwall Mrs.Mac-Canada
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Mrs.Mac-Canada tina-uk_cwall
Posted
MrsO-UK_Surrey Mrs.Mac-Canada
Posted
EileenH Mrs.Mac-Canada
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ptolemy Mrs.Mac-Canada
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Mrs.Mac-Canada ptolemy
Posted
I did read up on it but it referred to higher doses of pred. I will not be getting the vaccine because I agree with all of you about it being "live" and the reduced chance my body would develop antibodies.
Since I got PMR my husband is concerned about getting anything that might negatively affect our health. I also had an Uncle that spent years of his life in bed with excruciating pain from shingles. Guess I shouldn't have told hubby about that one. He is a self diagnosed hypochondriac, I should have known better😉.
Thanks again,
Diana🌸
linda82701_USA Mrs.Mac-Canada
Posted
and I was finally diagnosed with it and started on prednisone! Best wishes with your decision. Linda
Mrs.Mac-Canada linda82701_USA
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thanks for sharing your experience. I've never had a flu shot because I've always had a pretty good immune system and rarely even got a sniffle. I do know seniors here in Canada, the cold north😉, are encouraged to have it. We also have a pneumonia vaccine that many are getting because pneumonia is something that can be very serious as you know.
Take care and stay healthy,
Hugs, Diana🌸
pam7653 Mrs.Mac-Canada
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It would be me to get shingles. Seems like I get everything. So better be safe than sorry.
Mrs.Mac-Canada pam7653
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I'm glad you didn't have any issue with the vaccine. If I was you and got everything that was going around I'd have one to.😷
Like I said to Pam, I have always been healthy and really didn't/don't like putting more "stuff" in my body than I have to. I say healthy.... I am on meds for high BP, cholesterol and drops for glaucoma (drops only since being on pred.) but the usual stuff stayed away from me.
I think the most important thing the Shingles vaccine does is provide protection from the PHN pain which can be really awful.
Hope you stay healthy and pain free.
Hugs, Diana🌸