What about the shingles vaccine?

[lb151]

Has anyone read any reason why we(especially the older ones) with valve replacements should not get the shingles vaccine? I can't find any info on it.

 

[Nancy]

I am not a valve patient (my husband was).

My doctor talked me out of it. He thought it was too new on the market and wanted some more "legs" on it before he recommended it. It is a live virus, and in that respect differs from some other vaccines. If I insisted, he probably would have relented (maybe).

I really wanted to get it because my late husband got shingles, and even though he took the anti-viral medication, suffered unbelievably from postherpetic neuralgia pain for many years.

But I did understand why my doctor felt the way he did, and I did not get the vaccine.

 

[Mary]

I had valve replacement in 2005 and took the shingles vacicine this past winter. . . 55 years old. I had no problems, and I've not had an outbreak of shingles since taking it.

 

[Marty]

Alice and I are both in our 80's and taking warfarin ( me for a valve,her for chronic a-fib). We have friends who got shingles and worse post-herpetic neuralgia. Our doctors strongly recommended we get the new zoster shot last year. No problems. no reactions. No shingles. My advice-go for it.

 

[hensylee]

signs are up in my pharmacy and dr's office, but dr has not pushed it.

 

[Jkm7]

I'm so glad you raised this subject. My primary care doctor suggested I have it but I want to check with my cardio. I see him next week and hope to remember to ask his opinion. Thanks.... I would not have thought of it without this thread.

 

[PairoDocs]

The CDC views the "shingles" vaccine (Zostavax) as "the Cadillac of vaccines". It can prevent shingles (and therefore herpetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia) in up to 50% of those vaccinated. It is indicated in those 60 years of age and over who have had chicken pox; there is some discussion about vaccinating those who did not get chicken pox but received the vaccine for chicken pox(Varivax). It MAY be indicated for those under 60 who have some immune deficiency. Medicare now pays for the vaccine, which is good because it costs some $185 or some ridiculous amount.

Why use a vaccine that only works half of the time? Because treatment for shingles and its complications runs into the billions worldwide, and if half of those cases can be prevented, a lot of pain and suffering (not to mention $) will be saved.

If you're uncertain if you've had chicken pox, your doctor can check a titer for you. Now that Medicare pays for it, I don't mind recommending it to my patients, as it has been available for awhile. I just couldn't justify the $ for my patients who would have to miss their rent to pay for the vaccine.

The CDC website has a nice section on Zostavax.

Cool and clear in Idaho,
-Laura

 

[Jkm7]

Laura.....

Thank you for your post. Do you consider it safe for us valvers? (Bovine in my case.)

 

[ruthienc1]

Laura, I thought Medicare paid for the shingles vaccine under Part D, not like other immunizations, which are usually just part of office visits? Has this changed?

 

[Marty]

I have Medicare plus supplement and still had to pay that extra $185!

 

[ruthienc1]

I'll get it while I still have United Health Care and it's covered during an office visit- and before Medicare- which is fast approaching!