[KathieI]

Originally Posted by villages07

Some background ...The Shingles vaccine is recommended for those over 60, but, not if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes, and a few other conditions (do your research or ask your doctor). The vaccine was first approved for use in 2006 which explains why it seems to be a recent, but highly publicized, vaccine.

So, for those of you who have had shingles or know of folks who got shingles.... were all the victims over 60, under 60, or a mix -- when first afflicted?

I have to admit... I never knew what shingles was or heard of persons with the affliction until these past 2 years.

07, when you reach my age, you'll have heard of every disease known to man. Its interesting, you only become more aware of these things as you get older or maybe when others your age get them.

My Dad had them back in the 50's after his father passed away and he was a young man then and my aunt had them after a major round of radiation when her immune system was very weak. She also was only in her 40's at that time. These stories on this forum are incredible to me, and since I also had them, I can really sympathize with what they are going to. What I wonder is, if you've already had the shingles, can you get the shot? Would it have any benefit.

This is an interesting and enlightening thread. I love all this information.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by villages07

So, for those of you who have had shingles or know of folks who got shingles.... were all the victims over 60, under 60, or a mix -- when first afflicted?

My wife is 62.

[villages07]

Here's a good FAQ overview from Centers for Disease Control. Will answer most of your questions:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/...s/vac-faqs.htm

[champion6]

Originally Posted by Hawkwind

Is getting the shot a one time thing or is it required yearly?

One time.

[trichard]

Get the vaccine!

[champion6]

Originally Posted by champion6

My wife is currently recovering from Shingles, accompanied by a secondary infection. It was the most intense, debilitating pain she has ever experienced - including child birth!

In her case, the Shingles virus attacked her optic nerve, causing excruciating pain behind and around her left eye. The secondary infection was also in the same location. She developed lesions on her left forehead and scalp, as well as on her left cornea.

The pain became so bad, she was hospitalized for five days. Her left eye was swollen completely shut. She looked like someone had slugged her in the eye with their fist.

She has been home for two days now and is resting fairly comfortably. We are hoping she will be completely recovered in about 10 days - a grand total of four weeks fighting this.

Just a quick follow-up... my wife returned to work today - four weeks after the symptoms first appeared. GET THE SHOT!

[Aceskaters]

What if you do not know if you have ever had chicken pox? I have no records other than an old immunization card.

[diskman]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Can anyone offer their opinions/knowledge regarding the wisdom of getting the shot?
The following is typical of the many sites offering Q & A on the matter:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/...s/vac-faqs.htm

We do have part D and the co pay with our insurer is $70. We have never given it a second thought until it was present as an opportunity in The Daily Sun within the clinics to be held here in TV.

I will be contacting our family physician in the coming days, but would appreciate any other inputs.

btk

And so We both had the shot about 2 yrs ago no reaction. Shingles is very painful if you get it.

[tpop1]

I read the ingredients of one shingles vaccine, Zostavax and I see that it has MSG (monosodium L-glutamate) in it.(see ingredients below)

Has anyone on this site, with a sensitivty to MSG had this shot?

Any issues?

Thanks

Each dose contains 31.16 mg of sucrose, 15.58 mg of hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, 3.99 mg of sodium chloride, 0.62 mg of monosodium L-glutamate, 0.57 mg of sodium phosphate dibasic, 0.10 mg of potassium phosphate monobasic, 0.10 mg of potassium chloride; residual components of MRC-5 cells including DNA and protein; and trace quantities of neomycin and bovine calf serum