The new Shingles Vaccine
lascatx
6 years ago
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lascatx
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Shingles vaccine?
Comments (34)Cam ~ You should still get the vaccine even if you are not certain you've had Chicken Pox. Per the CDC, approx 99.5% of all U.S. citizens over age 40 have had Chicken Pox at some point in their life. Even if you haven't, the vaccine will not hurt you. Also, if you've already had Shingles, you should still get the vaccine because it can help prevent future outbreaks. Rose ~ I would definitely speak with your doctor first. Per Merck, the manufacturer, "ZOSTAVAX is a LIVE, attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine and administration may result in disseminated disease in individuals who are immunosuppressed or immunodeficient. Do not administer ZOSTAVAX to immunosuppressed or immunodeficient individuals including those with a history of primary or acquired immunodeficiency states, leukemia, lymphoma or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, AIDS or other clinical manifestations of infection with human immunodeficiency viruses, and those on immunosuppressive therapy." In other words, it could be very dangerous to give to someone in one of those groups. Here's a link to their info: MERCK ZOSTAVAX INFO Hope this is helpful. Blessings, ~Addy~ Here is a link that might be useful: Q&A About Shingles and Vaccine...See MoreHave you gotten the shingles shot?
Comments (22)I had a mild case of shingles. I woke up, went to brush my teeth and looked in the mirror. It looked like a spider had bitten the right side of my forehead several times. Went to the MD, who diagnosed shingles. I was also sent to the eye docotor to make sure the shingles had not affected my right eye. If you catch it right away (within 72 hours) and get medication, it can be OK. It's the same meds they give to people who have herpes outbreaks. I needed to stay away from children for a couple weeks, as I could have given them chicken pox, but it wasn't very uncomfortable and the redness was gone in a month. When they came out with the vaccine I'd just had this episode and MD said to wait. He hasn't recommended I get the shot. You can't take the shot while you HAVE shingles, and you have to get the shot every year as I understand it. I don't believe the cost is covered by Medicare. I had an exceptionally bad case of chicken pox at about age seven I was unable to walk for several days and still have a dime-size scar on the side of one knee. Nobody wants shingles! It can be painful and long-lasting; some people have outbreaks that last for many months. The skin can be painful just having a breeze pass over it....See MoreNew information on the shingles vaccine
Comments (15)Murraysmom, Chisue has made it clear in a number of posts that she is no fan of AARP and their TV ads. I don't mind their TV ads because a) they don't seem to me to be any worse than any of the Medicare supplement ads, and I think they're far better than some, and b) I switched from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare Part C to the AARP-recommended United Health's Part C about five years ago, and have been very happy with it. United Health gives me the same coverage as BC/BS, but at a lower premium. I'm also grateful to AARP for providing me with a great deal of useful information over the past 10 or more years. One thing to keep in mind is that if you don't sign up for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage, at age 65, and need it some time in the future, you will pay a hefty penalty. I, too, take no regular prescription drugs. Last year I switched from United Health's Part D to the Walmart/Humana plan. Much lower monthly premiums, but when I needed doxycycline following a tick bite, I paid much more than I expected. This year, in anticipation of needing more drugs to treat Lyme and its co-infections (I'm seeing a new doctor), I'm switching to yet another provider for my Part D....See MoreBad news
Comments (55)Wow, that sounds awful! I've had them twice, but both times were very mild. The first time, I had no idea what it could be, I was in my early 30s and never thought about shingles. I finally showed the spot to a friend, and she knew what it was. I got drugs, although late. It was uncomfortable for a week or two then went away. I had it again about three weeks ago. It started on my right side near my navel, I thought it was bug bites. I am forever being chewed on by something outside. When another spot popped up on my back, I knew it was shingles. I got into the doc the same day. The meds kept it from spreading any more, and it was minorly uncomfortable for about a week. Now it's gone except for a little dark area on my skin. I can't imagine having it over such a large area as you....See Morelascatx
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