A new shingles - is available

[John Ulrich]

There is a new shingles - that is given in two shots and is recommended even if you had the previous -.....which weakens over time.
I experienced it back in 2014 and warned many on this site the living hell I went thru for 5 weeks..... you do not want to get it!  If your insurance does not cover it, the old shot was $200 at Costco.  I will be checking with them next week what the two shot package will cost.  You do not need to be a member to use the pharmacy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/10/28/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-shingles--/?utm_term=.865842415b22

[ohiorider]

There is a new shingles - that is given in two shots and is recommended even if you had the previous -.....which weakens over time.
I experienced it back in 2014 and warned many on this site the living hell I went thru for 5 weeks..... you do not want to get it!  If your insurance does not cover it, the old shot was $200 at Costco.  I will be checking with them next week what the two shot package will cost.  You do not need to be a member to use the pharmacy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/10/28/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-shingles--/?utm_term=.865842415b22

Thanks for the info.  I received the original - several years ago.  Making it a point to ask about the new two shot system next trip to the doc.

Bob

[Nic in Western NYS]

Thanks John.  CR says $280.  If it works, best money one could ever spend - literally EVER

https://www.consumerreports.org/shingles--/new-shingles---shingrix-what-you-should-know/

[menzies]

Thanks for the heads up. I had a very mild case about 5 years but have seen some of the more severe ones and do not want a repeat. I did get the shot 30 days after mine cleared and was told I could still become vulnerable. This is good news.

[Sheepdog]

Good info...thanks.

[Lannis]

My grandmother had shingles.

She'd had two babies and a bad heart attack, and said she'd rather have both of those together than have shingles again.    So I really don't want to get it.

However, I manage my medical care, inoculation schedule, etc with my doctor, who is well aware of what inoculations I need given my history and propensities (shingles, pneumonia, all the things you can get these days) so I stay up to date.

Lannis

[Nic in Western NYS]

My grandmother had shingles.

She'd had two babies and a bad heart attack, and said she'd rather have both of those together than have shingles again.    So I really don't want to get it.

However, I manage my medical care, inoculation schedule, etc with my doctor, who is well aware of what inoculations I need given my history and propensities (shingles, pneumonia, all the things you can get these days) so I stay up to date.

Lannis

Medical providers are often not very proactive when it comes to shingles vaccinations (perhaps because there is no public health threat, shingles not being communicative). 

[ohiorider]

Medical providers are often not very proactive when it comes to shingles vaccinations (perhaps because there is no public health threat, shingles not being communicative).

Although shingles is non-communicable, I understand a person with shingles can transmit the virus that causes chicken pox to someone who has never had chicken pox. And, all of us who have had chicken pox as kids or adults are candidates for shingles as we age.

[Lannis]

Medical providers are often not very proactive when it comes to shingles vaccinations (perhaps because there is no public health threat, shingles not being communicative).

I wouldn't consider a doctor who is "not very proactive" as being much use.

Sort of like a Guzzi mechanic who knew nothing about the 8V tappet problem, to me.   

Find one who cares and who knows what he is doing.   There are a lot of them out there!

Lannis

[Rough Edge racing]

 I asked my primary care doctor a few weeks ago about the "new" shingles shot....I got one a few years ago...He said " some batches of the previous - were not as effective as other batches" he also said it's his opinion the new - is pushed by the drug manufacturers...And he said I don't don't need another -.....

[gearman]

I got the shot and then got shingles bad.I still have itching years later. No more shots for me.

[wrbix]

Older - was only 60% or so effective.....but considering that 30% or so of individuals over 60yo will experience shingles if unvaccinated, then common sense speaks strongly for vaccination.
The new - is approx 90% effective - a no brainer IMHO (and the opinion of the CDC).
Conspiracy theorists not withstanding, get the shot.....including the new one even if previously vaccinated

[Farmer Dan]

wish I could get this one through the VA with all my other vaccinations.

[wrbix]

wish I could get this one through the VA with all my other vaccinations.

Might question that with your next contact - I recollect that the VA System had "approved"the earlier - at actually a younger age than did other insurance carriers. "Approved" mean administer?

[Lannis]

I got the shot and then got shingles bad.I still have itching years later. No more shots for me.

Happened to me with "flu shots".   Never had one, then let the industrial H&S nurse at work talk me into one.

Got a terrible case of the flu the next week, worst I've ever had.

Fifteen years ago - haven't had a shot since, haven't had the flu either .....

Lannis

[Farmer Dan]

Might question that with your next contact - I recollect that the VA System had "approved"the earlier - at actually a younger age than did other insurance carriers. "Approved" mean administer?

Actually my next appointment is tomorrow.  Hope I remember to ask :-)

[Tom]

Woo....hooooo...... . Looks like 5 shots for me 1) tetanus booster 2)  pneumonia shot  3) flu shot and the 4) 5) shingles shots.  Thanks for the good news. 

[wrbix]

Woo....hooooo....... Looks like 5 shots for me 1) tetanus booster 2)  pneumonia shot  3) flu shot and the 4) 5) shingles shots.  Thanks for the good news. 

WooHoo, indeed.....good on ya!
Finally, someone who understands the personal and public health advantages of vaccination (science) vs anecdotes ("flu shots gave me the flu") and conspiracy theory (devious Pharma plots)
 

[Farmer Dan]

VA is aware of the new - but does not have it in their system at this time.  They made an appointment for me to come in and get the current shot.   Its free so what the hell why not?

[Lannis]

WooHoo, indeed.....good on ya!
Finally, someone who understands the personal and public health advantages of vaccination (science) vs anecdotes ("flu shots gave me the flu") and conspiracy theory (devious Pharma plots)
 

Or, alternatively there's "Actual Experience and your Personal Physician's advice" versus "Something I Read On the Internet". 

Lannis

[Tom]

 :1: Lannis.  Like always will have to see what the Doc says.  I also believe in the total health care package of being aware of your body and what works.  More people should have a dialogue with their care physician.  Of the 5 shots, maybe on the flu and the new shingles shots.  Tetanus, yes and since I had the pneumococcal - fairly recently....no.  Eat properly.  Wash your hands frequently.  etc.  Amazing how guys don't wash their hands after using the restroom. 

[wrbix]

Or, alternatively there's "Actual Experience and your Personal Physician's advice" versus "Something I Read On the Internet". 

Lannis

.....or alternately, there is being knowledgeable of current medical advances and practices, and recognizing the danger to both personal and public health in basing health care decisions on anecdote and "personal experience"