I had shingles five years ago, running from hip to foot. It was painful neuropathy, and I was in the hospital several days on Valtrex, which did suppress it, but I was then on a walker for a couple of months. It was bad, but I would rather not risk a vaccine to avoid it. Vaccines probably have longer lasting harm to me than actually having a painful but curable disease like shingles. Of course I still have the virus in me, no doubt. I am SURE I got it from taking a chemo for my Polycythemia Vera, which lowered my immune system. I no longer take the chemos which most people with PV take. I have taken p32 radiation twice at Mayo to lower platelets instead. Long trip but no side effects.