I've been on the fence about getting it because I have never had chickenpox (although exposed to it). Not sure what to do.

Wanda, this is what the CDC has to say:

Anyone 60 years of age or older should get the shingles vaccine, regardless of whether they recall having had chickenpox or not. Studies show that more than 99% of Americans ages 40 and older have had chickenpox, even if they donâÂÂt remember getting the disease.

I guess they're suggesting you don't remember. :-)

But they're also saying there's no harm in getting the vaccine even if you didn't have chickenpox.

If some people don't remember having chickenpox, I wonder how the DCD determined that they actually did?

I got mine too, a few weeks ago. No reaction whatsoever. My neighbor is a nurse in a retirement community and she said she has seen some horrible cases of shingles over the years. Some never go away entirely and cause ongoing pain. That's when I made an appointment to get mine. I clearly remember having chicken pox when I was 6.

My mom had shingles but they weren't so bad and they did go away. She was very lucky.

Yes -- go get your shingles vaccination, whether or not you remember having chicken pox -- or chicken pops as my kids used to say.

Does anyone know whether this a good idea even if I've already had shingles (and the anti-viral) once?

I'm in the same situation, Sjerin, so I looked it up when I researched the article. Yes, it's a good idea.

Shingles can hit anyone. My 60 year old brother in law recently had it, and (surprisingly) my 20 year old daughter had it. She had a rash on her chest and stomach, took herself to the dermatologist, and found out what it was. By then, it was too late for any treatment. She's now fully recovered.

I don't get any preventative meds/shots. I don't like getting all those doses of aluminum.

When I was younger I never heard of Alzheimer's and I heard only one mention of "old timers". Now everyone I know has someone that has AZ sometimes both grandparents or both parents. I still believe it is caused by aluminum. It's in every flu shot that we get every year, it is in the pneumonia shot which we get two of, it's in every shot you get. It's in our hand lotion, our anti antiperspirants, check ingredients on the products you buy. When my husband was diagnosed with AZ I did hours of research and found a document written by one of the top immunologist in this country. He said one day the care homes will be so full of AZ patients that they will be living on the streets...because of aluminum. He also said just 2 flu shot increases your chances of getting AZ by 20%. I also believe a lot of the medical people don't take them, one doctor told me not to take anymore anti acids because of the aluminum in them. I just use tums.

If you don't think (or know) if you have ever had chicken pox, there is a blood test to check. My DR. had me take it to see, as you may have had such a light case you didn't know.

My hubby is to get it when he goes to the doc for his check up next month, I cannot get any live vaccines (shingles is a live vaccine) or would get it in a heartbeat.

If it would prevent shingles, my advice would be to get it. Right now, my DH is dealing with shingles, going on three weeks. He is in almost constant pain. He hates needles but I am sure if he had to choose between a needle and what he is dealing with now, he would surely 'buck up' and get the vaccine.

Thanks, Alisande. I'll have to think about asking for this the next time I'm in.

Be sure to call your insurance company to make sure that the vaccine is covered. It's very expensive and not universally covered by every insurance company. Also, not every one is a good candidate for this live virus. Be sure you discuss the health risks with your doctor.

A prescription isn't needed, BTW. I carried one around for months while I decided, not realizing it wasn't necessary.

In my area the price of the vaccine varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, but the average is about $200. I had to pay $45. A friend whose insurance usually doesn't seem to be as comprehensive as mine got hers for free.

Also, it's a one-shot deal, good for at least six years and possibly for life.

I developed shingles when I was 20. I have taken Valtrex for them daily for the last 7 years and haven't had a breakout since, but before that I had a breakout about 2-3 times a year.

I got the vaccine in September. I had a severe outbreak of Shingles when I was 59, doc said I had to wait a year to take the vaccine, and at that time the age was 60 anyway. Debated getting it, mainly because of what Vala said, but decided I did not want to risk another outbreak.

I've had it and good for you for getting it. I know several people who have suffered the agony of shingles. They can cause permanent neurological damage as well as pain. I paid $200 for mine but would have paid twice as much.