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Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 4:04 am
by Yankiwi
I got the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, today. It was expensive but anyone who has lived with someone with shingles or has known anyone with shingles would probably think it was worth it to prevent getting it. Of course, I could still get shingles, but the vaccine would make it a milder version.
With RLS we don't need any problems that could be prevented. I only found out about this vaccine recently and called to request it right away.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 8:47 am
by Rustsmith
I agree with this completely. I got the vaccine last year.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 12:06 am
by ViewsAskew
It's on my list when I'm old enough :-).

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 4:05 pm
by TimG
I got the Shingles vaccine at age 60, my wife at age 56. Six years after getting the vaccine I got shingles, but thankfully it was a mild case. I understand that there is a newer Zostavax that has been developed and is even more effective.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 5:31 pm
by Polar Bear
Here in UK we get the vaccine free from age 70. A quick google shows that a private vaccine costs around £170.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 5:24 am
by Yankiwi
TimG, the vaccine does not guarantee protection but luckily you got a mild case. The vaccine helps make sure it is milder than it would be. From what I understand, it also doesn't last forever and immunity is less as a person gets older.
Lucky UK people, the vax costs NZ$190 in New Zealand but that's better than getting a full blown case of shingles.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Wed May 27, 2015 1:45 pm
by Polar Bear
My understanding is that here in UK it is offered free to over 70s, but is not available once 80 years is reached.
Estimates that I've seen state that about 30% fewer would get shingles and the remainder would have milder symptoms.

Re: Shingles vaccine, Zostavax

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 1:00 am
by crazy joe
Im 56 and got it as part of my well visit free