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Shingles vaccination while on steroids

Posted by macferse @macferse, Dec 28, 2022

I am 78, tapering down on Prenisolone, currently 5mg. I have been offered a shingles vaccination by my GP. Is there any evidence of danger of interactions or adverse effects ?

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 28, 2022

Hi @macferse, I've had the Zostavax shingles vaccine and a few years later the Shingrix vaccine but my PMR was in remission and I was not on steroids. I think it depends on which shingles vaccine you receive - live Zostavax or non-live Shingrix vaccine.

Here's some information from Mayo Clinic on the topic
------------------
"Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination options if you:
-- Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any other component of the shingles vaccine
-- Have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
-- Are receiving immune system-suppressing drugs or treatments, such as steroids, adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), etanercept (Enbrel), radiation or chemotherapy
-- Have cancer that affects the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma
-- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant"
-------------------
Shingles vaccine: Should I get it?:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-vaccine-should-i-get-it/

Here's an article on possible adverse effects:
-- Corticosteroids Contribute to Serious Adverse Events Following Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccination and Live Attenuated Zoster Vaccination: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33418856/

REPLY
1 reply
macferse | @macferse | Dec 28, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @macferse, I've had the Zostavax shingles vaccine and a few years later the Shingrix vaccine..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @macferse, I've had the Zostavax shingles vaccine and a few years later the Shingrix vaccine but my PMR was in remission and I was not on steroids. I think it depends on which shingles vaccine you receive - live Zostavax or non-live Shingrix vaccine.

Here's some information from Mayo Clinic on the topic
------------------
"Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination options if you:
-- Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any other component of the shingles vaccine
-- Have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
-- Are receiving immune system-suppressing drugs or treatments, such as steroids, adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), etanercept (Enbrel), radiation or chemotherapy
-- Have cancer that affects the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma
-- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant"
-------------------
Shingles vaccine: Should I get it?:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-vaccine-should-i-get-it/

Here's an article on possible adverse effects:
-- Corticosteroids Contribute to Serious Adverse Events Following Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccination and Live Attenuated Zoster Vaccination: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33418856/

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John, that's really helpful. I have an appointment to discuss it with my GP , so can point out the issues.
Thanks enormously.

REPLY
vandyms1974 | @vandyms1974 | Dec 30, 2022

Actually, my rheumatologist advised me NOT to get any vaccines. He is concerned any would produce a flair in the PMR pain. I did not get a flu shot either! Makes me wear a mask when inside with others.

REPLY
suetex | @suetex | Dec 31, 2022

Rheumies really vary on this subject. I asked mine about getting vaccine for covid and flu and he was all for it. Thought I would make at least some immunity and be better than none. No discussion about adverse effects.

REPLY
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