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As a younger guy, who has never had chicken pox, let alone shingles (or either vaccine), can anyone answer this?
- What are the implications of getting a chicken pox vaccine? Will it make me susceptible to shingles later?
Ask a doc. But I do know adults can get chicken pox, and in them the disease is much worse than in young kids. I’d say, “Get the vaccine, and any other vaccines you lack.” But check with doc for best advice.
Second shot: Woke up with headache and flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, feverish) that lasted about a day.
That was pretty much my experience also. The pharmacist told me later that about half of the patients have that experience. It was no issue because i prefer not to get shingles.
I hear you, same here. There are many ways to keep healthy from the shingles.
Not really. The vaccine is the only way to prevent shingles. It does not matter how healthy you think you are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Giesela
I do hope everyone getting the shot has actually had chicken pox. Because if you haven't there isnt any need to.
Shingrix can be given even if you do not remember having chickenpox. Most in the US have had it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddm2k
As a younger guy, who has never had chicken pox, let alone shingles (or either vaccine), can anyone answer this?
- What are the implications of getting a chicken pox vaccine? Will it make me susceptible to shingles later?
No, it reduces the risk of shingles if you have had chickenpox. It will not cause shingles because there is no live virus in Shingrix.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoByFour
It shouldn't. Shingles is caused by live, but suppressed, varicella zoster virus in your spinal chord. Your immune system is keeping that virus suppressed but if the immune system weakens the varicella can overwhelm it and then you have Shingles. The chickenpox vaccine is not live virus material so it cannot initiate Shingles. If you have no contact with children your chances of getting chickenpox as an adult are low, although you can catch it by coming into contact with someone who has Shingles.
But you should check with your doctor. I would also get a chickenpox titre test to make sure you have never had it. I thought I never had it but I tested positive.
The chickenpox vaccine does contain live virus and can cause shingles, but the risk is much lower than with the wild virus. Shingrix does not contain live virus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by srq57
Our Doctor isn't a fan of the vaccine. He said he has had patients who have gotten shingles from the vaccine. So we are holding off. My husband actually had a very mild case. I am a bit nervous about the decision, because my mom had it a few years ago and it was VERY painful.
Shingrix cannot cause shingles, though it is not 100% effective in preventing it. Your doctor needs to do a little research on the vaccine.
Quick update: Totally jinxed myself! Went to bed feeling fine, woke up at 2:00 AM freezing! Turned off the fan and got another blanket. Two hours later, I was burning up. Fan back on (high speed this time) and blanket on the floor. Cannot fall asleep. Feel terrible driving in to work, see the nurse, have a temp. of 100.8 degrees. Tell the boss I'm leaving early, he says no problem.
Getting ready to go but I pretty much feel fine now. Just tired, but I'm still leaving.
I felt a mild soreness in the arm. That was it. The only reactions I've ever had to an immunization shot was a mild ache in the arm for a few days and some redness to the skin. Perhaps I'm just lucky, or have the right genes. My sympathies though.
Both of my parents got the vaccine in their 60's- dad (who was an MD) STILL got shingles in his late 70's and it almost killed him.
Dad did tell us that the vaccine will NOT prevent you from getting shingles- it only reduces your chances somewhat.
Actually, that is not all that surprising. The efficacy of the previous vaccine (ZOSTAVAX) for 70 years and older patients was relatively low. It was (is) a live (attenuated) virus vaccine which could, in theory, give you shingles. The new vaccine is different - more effective, including for the older age group, and cannot give you shingles.
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