Shingles vaccine

[rsinger]

I'm curious if patients with MS are getting the shingles vaccine. If you are taking any of the oral medications which do suppress the immune system it seems that we could be more vulnerable to shingles. Is it safe to get the vaccine since it is a live vaccine?? I have heard conflicting advise on this even from my own neurologist and my PCP. Very difficult to make a good decision with so much conflict.

[cranberrysauce]

good question! I got shingles last summer at 32. It was a pretty miserable experience and I really don't want to go through it again so I was wondering if there were any options for now or down the line as age also becomes a major risk factor for developing shingles.

My primary care and neurologist basically told me not to worry about it. But... the pain was pretty ridiculous so it's a little hard to just not worry about.

[jreagan70]

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society website acknowledges that MS experts don't all agree about the shingles vaccine. The shingles sections of two of the NMSS immunization articles are copied below:

The information about the shingles vaccine -- Zostavax -- isn't as clear-cut as it is for some other vaccines. In general, MS specialist neurologists do not recommend any live-virus vaccine for people with MS because live-virus vaccines can precipitate an increase in disease activity. However, Zostavax is somewhat unique because most people have had chicken pox earlier in their lives and therefore already have the virus in their bodies. If a person has had chicken pox or tests positive for the antibodies, this would likely be a safe and beneficial vaccine to take. However, each person needs to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this vaccine with her or his healthcare provider. In terms of the possible risks for a person with MS whose close family member receives this or any other live virus vaccine, MS specialists are not in agreement. This is another decision the person with MS needs to discuss with her or his physician.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/For...S/Immunization

Shingles vaccine (Zostavax®). A live-virus vaccine to prevent shingles. MS neurologists do not recommend live-virus vaccines for people with MS because these vaccines can lead to an increase in disease activity. However, Zostavax is an exception because most people have had chicken pox earlier in their lives and therefore already have the virus in their bodies. Each person needs to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this vaccine with her or his healthcare provider.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Liv...s/Vaccinations

[sarabeach123]

I want this vaccine too - I am also 32 - I am not sure why your doctors say not to worry about it! If you've gotten it once, and it was miserable, then why wouldn't you get the vaccine to be on the safe side? I too had shingles, but it was in university and it was a mild case - but still annoying! This is on my list of questions to ask the neurologist when I see him in a couple of months.

[hunterd]

I went to the doctors and asked for the vaccine and my insurance would not pay for it until I was 50.

[marol]

Be safe - Get the Shot

My mom (83 with MS) had a very bad case & still struggles with pain for over a year now. I've gotten the shot as a precaution. I'm 59 with MS. Pharmacist said I can still get shingles but they'll be lessened

[SpiritofaNinja]

I got the Shingles shot.

I'm 45 and got the Shingles shot. I was going through all of the tests etc for starting Gilenya. Since I have already had the Shingles three times in the past, my Neuro wanted me to have it.

When I went to my PCP to actually get the shot, he said my insurance probably wouldn't pay because of my age, so it would be better for me to go to a clinic to get it. He said that if his office did it and insurance denied it, it would be about $500. If the clinic did it and insurance denied it, it would be about $250.

I called my insurance company and they said with the policy I have I couldn't get ANY vaccines at a clinic....go back to PCP....apparently it's all in the medical coding. As long as my PCP had it coded correctly, meaning that if the shot was only being given because I needed it to start Gilenya (or whatever medication is needed that the Shingles would conflict with), there shouldn't be any problem.

It's been a couple of months and I haven't gotten a bill (thank goodness!). And it's so dumb, it's preventative! Why does age matter....and why can you not have the shot under 50, if YOU'VE ALREADY HAD THE ILLNESS? If your Medical Team agrees...give the shot!

There red must be a reason I guess....

[zilphia01]

zoster test

I am curious about the varicella antibody test.... I had that, and the results were in the upper range, indicating that I have active antibody reaction to the chicken pox virus.

My neuro indicated that having the antibody level in an acceptable range means I will not get shingles.

I hope he is right. Anyone have any opinion on this?

thank you
karen

[Shoo]

I been wanting to get the shot but haven't asked the dr yet I had chicken pox really bad

I am over 50 so I guess my insurance will pay

Shoo