Shingrix after Zostavax?

Hello @rabland and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It is good to have you.

I appreciate your question about the Shingrex vaccination. Has your doctor recommended that you have this latest vaccination? That should, in part, determine your decision.

I also had the original shingles vaccination when I turned 60 and then last year I had the Shingrex vaccinations. It was at my Primary Care Doctor's insistence, as I was rather non-committal at the time. I did have a bit of a reaction to the Shingrex vaccinations.

Unfortunately, this year I did get Shingles. I've learned that 10% of people who have had the Shingrex shots will still get Shingles, but it should be a milder case. As I was one in that 10% category, I have to say that the reaction to the vaccination was not anywhere as bad as an actual case of the Shingles.

I would encourage you to talk with your doctor and make a decision that seems best for you. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

Thanks for your reply. I have not spoken to my primary care physician, but know the CDC suggests those vaccinated with Valtrex get the Shigrix vaccine, which caused me to write.

@rabland I'd like to extend my welcome along with @hopeful33250. You'll notice that I added your conversation to the Autoimmune Disease and Infectious Disease groups. I did this so you could connect with members like @daly @kelrad1217 @paulbklyn @2011panc that have previous experience with this topic and may be of help to you.

I concur with @hopeful33250 regarding talking to your provider to know for certain if you should be revaccinated but I did find some information that may help guide the conversation with your provider.

- Mayo Clinic Shingles vaccine: Should I get it? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/expert-answers/shingles-vaccine/f

- CDC What Everyone Should Know about Zostavax https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/zostavax/index.html

- New shingles vaccine recommended for most adults over age 50 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-new-shingles-vaccine-recommended-for-most-adults-over-age-50/

When I read the CDC article titled, What Everyone Should Know about Zostavax, I understood that the Zostavax vaccine is only good for 5 years. When you speak to your provider will you let me know if that is correct and/or the outcome of your vaccine situation?

I had a shingles vaccine when I turned 60, 18 years ago. However, I had the worst case of shingles at age70 that
anyone had seen. I still have some nerve damage spots on my back that both itch and burn. What to do?

@basslakebabe19 You still have nerve damage from shingles 18 years ago and you are wondering what you can do. May I ask what your provider has suggested regarding nerve pain when the last time you had your shingles vaccine?

I found acupuncture to be the most helpful in eliminating shingles and addressing the pain. I used some Chinese lotion which helped.

I get hives from time to time. Many years ago I used a Chinese lotion, i cannot remember where I bought it. Where did you purchase your Chinese lotion and what is the name?

I had shingles 6 years ago, and have been diagnosed with PHN. I have been through 4 pain clinics, 9 nerve bloCks and tried every medicine available, with no relief from the pain. I do not even wear a Shirt at home as it is painful just to have the material touch my chest. I have tried all opiates, and as a result of being put on buprenorphine, I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, and on life support several times, as it completely shut my entire system down. No one seems to know of anything to help with my pain. I am 81 years old, and have a10 pain all the time.

Hello @deerman40, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I'm sorry to hear you have not been able to find a treatment to help with your pain. I know how awful that must be. There are a couple of other discussions where members have shared their experiences that you might find helpful.

-- Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-and-neuropathic-pain/
-- Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Program: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/

Have you heard about the pain rehabilitation program?