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

Prednisone and Zostavax - conflicting info

Posted , 9 users are following.

Mrs.Mac-Canada
Mrs.Mac-Canada

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

12 Replies

  • tony80950
    tony80950 Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    h scheduled to have theimm shingles vaccine and they cancelled it.  With the pred, I am told, my immunity is down.  My dosage of pred is 19mg.

    Tony

    • Mrs.Mac-Canada
      Mrs.Mac-Canada tony80950

      Posted

      Thanks Tony,

      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
    tina-uk_cwall Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    Hi mrs Mac, as I understand it the shingles vaccine is a live vaccine and we are advised against having live vaccines. I may be wrong so do double check first. However, shingles drugs, that is drugs to take once we have shingles is ok. Regards, tina
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    Hi Diana,  the answer is "No".  The shingles vaccine is a live vaccine and all live vaccines should be avoided whilst on sterids.
  • EileenH
    EileenH Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    It's a live vaccine so really the answer is no. Anyway - it only works for about 40% of people so isn't a 100% answer to shingles in any case. The fact you are on pred would also reduce the chances of your body developing antibodies.
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    If you are taking steroids you should not have a shingles vaccine. Was there any particular reason you wanted one?
    • Mrs.Mac-Canada
      Mrs.Mac-Canada ptolemy

      Posted

      Thanks to you Ptolemy, Mrs. O and Eileen,

      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
    linda82701_USA Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    Hello, Diana, I certainly am not qualified to know if it is safe, but can tell you what I experienced.  I had my shingles vaccine last fall before being diagnosed with PMR.  I did have a  rare reaction to this shot on my mouth.  Very sore.  It lasted for about a month. Other than that nothing else has happened.  I am reluctant to have a flu vaccination, however.  Never have had one and am 70.  Last December I had pneumonia and was very ill.  That and other things brought on a severe flare of PMR

    and I was finally diagnosed with it and started on prednisone! Best wishes with your decision.  Linda

    • Mrs.Mac-Canada
      Mrs.Mac-Canada linda82701_USA

      Posted

      Hi Linda,

      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
    pam7653 Mrs.Mac-Canada

    Posted

    I've had PMR for more than 4 years, the last 2 years on Prednizone. I got the shingles shot free from my insurance last year. No issues at all for me, but that shot does hurt a bit.

    It would be me to get shingles. Seems like I get everything. So better be safe than sorry.

    • Mrs.Mac-Canada
      Mrs.Mac-Canada pam7653

      Posted

      Hi Pam,

      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🌸

       

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.