[Apollo]

I am 51 years old and suffer from an idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy. I also had Chicken Pox as a child. That said, I would like to now ask the pros here whether I should get the Shingles Vaccine, given that I am only 51 years old.

Another concern is whether getting the vaccine might impact my current neuropathy in a negative way.

Thoughts?

David

[mrsD]

There have been cases of people reacting to this vaccine.

I also believe that the manufacturer has been having production problems with it.

I'd do some research on it.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...ZUNf2XAwe97NSw

Also I seem to recall it does not last very long... but I can't find that link right now.

[Marlene]

This is from the CDC's site:

In a clinical trial involving thousands of adults 60 years old or older, Zostavax reduced the risk of shingles by about half (51%) and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia by 67%. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60-69 years old it also provided some protection for older groups.

Research suggests that the shingles vaccine is effective for at least six years, but may last much longer. Ongoing studies are being conducted to determine exactly how long the vaccine protects against shingles.
---------

Not very good stats in my opinion.

[mrsD]

50% coverage or thereabouts is not great IMO. You can beef up your immune response with zinc, and good Vit D status.

I've also seen it posted that Medicare won't pay for it for seniors, and it costs about $200.00!

I'd check with your insurance company.

I worry about the consequences of any vaccine for people with PN. The adjuvants in these vaccines can stir up the immune system and cause over-reactions and some nasty sequels.

[daniella]

This is an interesting topic. I have to get my chicken pox shot again. I never had it as a kid and then got the vaccine as a teen but now the time is up to get it again. I am concerned to but at the same time don't want chicken pox as an adult.
Sorry this is not too much help to you. I read about Shingles and it sounds like a very painful condition. Have you talked to your doctor about his or her thoughts and your neuropathy? I think you have time though to think because isn't this for over 60?
Feel better

[JoanB]

Why do you have to be over 60? I am terrified of getting shingles after watching my mother suffer with it, but nobody will give it to me at any price. I'm 55.

[daniella]

I don't know if you have to be 60 but I thought I heard that 60 is when the doctors suggest to get it. I don't know why that age though. My mom was saying she is going to get her's when she hits that age. She does not have problems like neuropathy though.
Did you ask your doctor why not at 55? When did your mom get shingles?

[antonina]

One month After breast cancer surgery and radiation I came down with a major case of "diffuse " shingles...meaning it was not only encircling my waist but was near my eyes, my thighs, etc. My oncologist admitted me to the hospital where I received IV cyclovir. He said that the radiation had seriously damaged my immune system and most likely caused such a rare type of shingles.

My pcp suggested I get the vaccine even tho I'd already had an outbreak. But I researched & did not think the benefits outweighed the risks. However shingles is ghastly and if the vaccine could truly protect vs. it, the $$$ cost is negligible.

I'd do more research re: impact on PN, efficacy, etc. And of course continuing to ramp up your immune system.