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Originally Posted by Barefoot
OK, you're the go to guy for shingles questions!
I've had shingles twice. Both times I immediately took medication so The Shingles virus was stopped in a very early stage. OK, here is my question .... If you've had Shingles already, will the Shot still be of value? My family doctor seems unsure.
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No real clear answer. It is thought that getting shingles once raises the VZV specific immunity level, just as the vaccine does. But, just as it is possible to get Shingles even with the vaccine, it is obvious that one can also get repeated cases of shingles. My thinking on it is this.....if I had gotten shingles once, I doubt that I would ever want to have it again. If having shingles once (or in your case twice) has raised the level of my VZV specific immune level, and if the vaccine will also raise my VZV immune level, then I would get the vaccine. My thoughts on this are more personal than pharmaceutical because I have not seen conclusive proof of the vaccines benefits after already having shingles. BTW Barefoot, I truly enjoy your thoughtful and kind comments on this site! Good luck with your decision.