Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix): Is it advisable for transplant patients?

My transplant doctor was pretty insistent that I get my Shingrix shots and I had no issues. I’m wondering, Dana, if doctors discouraged the Zostra shot for shingles because it was a live virus? That’s no longer available in the US so now I think more transplant doctors are wanting to make sure we’re covered by taking the Shingrix vaccination. I watched my mom suffer with shingles and I’ll do anythign to avoid that! Congratulations on your 4th transplantaversary! ☺️

Yes Lori it was my transplant team that said yes to the newest one but no to any live virus type. But I remember that some of the transplant folks on here were initially told no on the Shingrix shots and I think if memory serves it was a different transplant center and I want to say it was a center in Boston. But Don't hold me to which one. I think even Rochester at first was hesitant but Phoenix was OK. That was a few years ago now so I'm pretty sure everyone is OK with it. I haven't heard anything recently.

@cburch I am a liver transplant recipient so also on immunotherapy of course. My transplant team is very conservative and is still advising to not yet get it. From the CDC, reviewed in August, 2021:

Q: Can Shingrix be administered to immunocompromised individuals?
A: While Shingrix is not contraindicated in immunocompromised persons, it is not recommended by ACIP* at this time. ACIP will begin reviewing evidence for Shingrix in immunocompromised people as soon as it becomes available and will modify vaccine policy as necessary. You can still give Shingrix to someone who is taking low-dose immunosuppressive medication, anticipating immunosuppression, or has recovered from an immunocompromising illness.
*(ACIP is the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices)

It appears as if it is not yet completely approved although I don't know where "low-dose immunosuppressive medication" stands within the amount of immunosuppressants we are taking, and if not contraindicated why it is not yet recommended.

Since this seems to vary with different transplant centers I would suggest that you speak to your transplant team about it.
JK

@cburch, Please allow me to add my Welcome to Connect. I am happy to see that you n have already met @danab who also has had a successful heart transplant and who is enjoying his Healthy new life.
I am a liver and kidney recipient, and I want to join in with my Shingles vaccination history. In 2009 my transplant team at Mayo Rochester gave me the Zostavax (live) vaccine during my pre transplant evaluation they wanted me to have protection from shingles, and knew that I would not be able to get it afterwards my transplant when I was on immunosuppressant medicines.
As of November 18, 2020, the live Zostavax vaccine is no longer available for use in the United States.
After my 2009 transplant, when the new Shingrix vaccine was approved, my transplant team approved for me to get it. So I am happy to be fully vaccinated.

The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.

Are you 50 and eligible for it?

@cburch, Earlier this month, you were undecided about getting the Shingrix Vaccine for Shingles. I am interested in learning what you decided to do.

What did your Heart transplant t team say to you about whether as a heart transplant patient you should get it? Did they tell you whether a person with a a heart transplant might react differently than another organ transplant recipient? Have you received your 1st dose yet?

I had the first shingles shot during my evaluation for heart transplant and as I waited only three days for my new heart, I had my second shot after the transplant. No complications from either
Best always,
s!

I had my Shingrix post heart tranplant. No complications either. Wishing you the best!

I just had my first Shingrix shot last week. I’m 10 mos post heart/lung transplant. Transplant team definitely recommended it and nothing but a slightly sore arm (like most shots).

@rosemarya , hi Rosemary , it Glinda I know it's been quite awhile since I have been on mayo connect but I just wanted to let you know that I am still doing great with my heart transplant I am now 11 years and 4 months post transplant and 4 years and three months post pedestrian versus car but I'm doing great and my transplant team keeps asking me what they can do for me as I have had no rejection at all and have stayed stable in fact I keep eing told by my team that I should be the poster person for heart transplant because I'm doing so well I hope you are doing great also
Glinda

@glinda Yes! Yes! I do remember you, and I have been wondering how you are getting along with your beautiful heart transplant and you accident recovery. I was at Mayo Rochester when I saw your post, and wanted to wait until I returned home and had access to my computer. I had an absolutely perfect 13th year annual evaluation by both the liver team and the kidney team!!! I'm jumping for joy , and if you can believe this: When I mentioned to my care team that my husband and I were taking a 'detour' on the way home to Door County WI for some cherry pie and ice cream, she told me that my numbers were so good, that I could go ahead and splurge on the pie and ice cream - so I was happy to follow "doctor's orders". 😁

Glinda, Congratulations on your double anniversary celebrations. I agree with your transplant team that you deserve the poster child recognition. Your story has been an inspirational one and I feel honored to have been with you for parts of it.

I want to invite you to take a look at this discussion where other heart transplant members have gathered and you can catch up on what's happening with heart transplant members on Connect. If you click on the link, you can drop in and say "Hi". Your experience as a successful recipient would be most appreciated.
Preparing for a heart transplant
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preparing-for-a-heart-transplant/
Glinda, I sure hope you don't have shingles. What kind of summer plans do you have?