Posted , 16 users are following.
I wonder if anyone has been given the new Shingrix vaccine which I understand is ok for people with autoimmune disorders and over 90% preventive whereas the older vaccine, Zostavax, is apparently contraindicated for autoimmune disorders.
0 likes, 30 replies
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EileenH ricky23486
Posted
You may find this thread interesting:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pred-vaccinations-667832
The first reply is by me so I won't restate it all - but the link to the LupusUK thread is thought-provoking. If it does make the immune system even more active - what is the potential for anyone with an autoimmune disorder?
Those of us in Europe probably don't have the option yet anyway - but I shall be very reticent.
Michdonn ricky23486
Posted
ricky23486 Michdonn
Posted
judy47558 ricky23486
Posted
Hi, Ricky.
I had my first (of two) Shingrix vaccine injections about two weeks ago. My rheumatologist had me wait until my Prednisone dose was down to 5 mg. before giving me the okay to have the shot. She believes -- rightly or wrongly-- that it would not be maximally effective on higher doses of Prednisone.
My husband (who suffers from a different autoimmune illness but is now completely off of Prednisone) had his second shot the same day I had my first. We both had sore, hot arms for several days following the injection. I, however, also had a general feeling of "malaise" -- aching muscles, headache, tiredness. The flu-like symptoms lasted for about 48 hours. After 72 hours my arm felt better and I no longer felt as if I was sick.
At the same time that I received the vaccine, a close friend had shingles for the second time. She had only received the Zostavax a number of years ago. Her symptoms -- minus the rash -- sounded just like what I had experienced after the Shingrix.
Glad I had the vaccine after experiencing even a mild case of "shingles-lite."
ricky23486 judy47558
Posted
I texted my rheumatologist for her opinion on whether i should have the contraindicated zostavax because the shingrix is not available yet. She asked me what medicines i am taking in addition to the 8 1/2 mg prednisone . based on that - vit d, calcium complex, omega 3 she said I can have the zostavax. In the stuff I have read you can have the shingrix vaccine even if you have had the Zostavax in the past . I am very anxious about taking a live vaccine but don't think there is any choice. Just don't want shingles!
EileenH ricky23486
Posted
You do know that not only is it not guaranteed to prevent shingles but one of the listed adverse effects of Zostovax is causing shingles? It is rare - but it happens. And while the claim is that post herpetic neuralgia is shorter it doesn't seem that much shorter to me:
"In those who were vaccinated with Zostavax, but still developed shingles, the duration of pain was a bit shorter for them versus those who received a placebo. Specifically, the pain of those in the Zostavax group lasted on average for 20 days and for those who received placebo, it lasted for about 22 days. The severity of the pain did not appear to differ among the two groups."