Wellness

[NickNack]

I didn't realize there was a new Shingles vaccine until I read this.  I just looked it up.  I had the Zostavax vaccine 11/2016.  I'm seeing my doctor next month for my annual exam and will ask about this.  

[moon_gazer]

If I've already had shingles, is there any advantage to getting the shingles shot? When I did have them, it was such a mild case. I was not in any pain. I just had a small red spot on my forehead along my hairline. I just thought it was some kind of heat rash, but, the minute my doctor looked at it, she said "you have shingles". With the medication she gave me, it cleared up in a week.

[shopperqvc]

@moon_gazer I had a neighbor that had shingles 3 times in just a few years. Her doctor talked her in to getting a shot. Since then she hasn't had them again. The last time she had them, they got into her eye. Most painful. She was willing to pay for the shot out of pocket since her insurance didn't cover it. At that time the only place to get the shot was at the county health department and it cost her nearly $300.00. I got mine a couple years later, free, at Osco Drug Store. 

[Jtdmum]

I've had shingles twice this year, three times since Christmas.  None of my episodes were bad cases, I generally get the sores on my "saddle bags" - The first time it broke out in the size of a quarter, second time was just a few dots and it went away.  Christmas time rash didn't break out, just itchy dry burning spot. 

I had my annual physical in the middle of two of the breakouts.  Doc told me he strongly recomends the new vaccine.  Doesn't think much of the "old" vaccine so I"m on the list of people to call once the new one is out.  He thinks so highly of the new one he is having his patients who've had the old vaccine get the new one as well. 

I seem to break out when I'm very stressed (work.)  Worse than the rash is the reallly bad mood swings I get.  I am never in a bad mood so when I start getting that very unsettled feeling and want to stand up and scream I know something's up.  I also take no meds and try to stay very healthy, moving, diet etc.  

I'll be interested to hear how everyone else does with this -  I'm lucky my breakouts aren't bad.  I feel for anyone who gets this rash.  It's awful. 

[151949]

I was highly considering getting the new shingles vaccine but it cost almost $300 and my insurance won't pay any of it, so it would be all out of pocket. So I'm still thinking about it.

[kitty60]

I had the shingles right after Christmas and went to the dr. immediately.  Took Acyclovir and I think it helped contain them although I had paid for several weeks.  In fact it was pretty much the end of Feb before I felt back to normal.  I did find that I had some stress last week and my back felt rough and scratchy.  I sprated with hydrocotisone and it seemed to help.  I am hoping to get the vaccine in a few months.  Dr. said it had to be clear before I could get it.  Talked my husband into the shot.  His prescription plan under medicare doesn't cover much until he reaches a $400 deductible and fortunately he doesn't take any meds.  Cost of the shot was $200 but I believe it's worth it.  My opthamologist told me if I ever get them on my face to contact him immediately as it can be dangeous.

[CANDLEQUEEN]

I got Shingles on my 59th birthday back in January of this year. Luckily, it was a mild case, just stayed primarily on my chin....Very little pain, since there are very little nerve endings there, but it is taking along time for the chin to clear up......I will definitely get the shingles vaccine next year. Hubby had the vaccine on his 60th birthday, and so far-no shingles......

[CelticCrafter]

We just a notice from the union that our prescription plan will now cover vaccines, but ONLY from the pharmacist at any one of the participating pharmacies.  If they have a walk in clinic and use that instead, it won't be covered.

[RedTop]

My husband will be getting the new Shingrix vaccine as soon as our local VA receives it for patients.    His PA and her physician husband received the shot last Friday, and said both had VERY sore arms over the weekend.   

[Squirrel Lover]

I got my shingles vaccine last year. I am only 50 years old so my insurance would not cover it so I paid $298 from my own pocket. It is worth it. I am terrified of shingles because a lovely 76 year old neighbor lost his eyesight from shingles.