7 replies to this topic

[Dom]

In the thread on flu shots, the subject of getting a shingles vaccine came up, but no one is answering because it seems off-topic. So I'd like to start a new thread here.

My oncologist nurse, not the oncologist himself, said the vaccine is not safe for someone with cml. My GP says it is safe, but he might not be the best source. My cardiologist has no opinion.

Confused messages.

Did anyone here get the vaccine? If so, did you wait until you were pcru? And aside from that, is it even worth it? I know no one who has gotten the vaccine, and no one who has shingles.

[Antilogical]

I got the shingles vaccine on the recommendation of my onc.  He made me wait till I was no longer severely neutropenic, then he gave the ok. 

[DebDoodah22]

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) for people aged 60 years and older. Even people who have had herpes zoster should receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.

However, CDC does not recommend routine use of herpes zoster vaccine in people aged 50 through 59 years old. Health care providers considering the herpes zoster vaccine for certain persons aged 50 through 59 years should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their patients. Although the vaccine has short-term efficacy, there have been no long-term studies of vaccine protection in this age group. In adults vaccinated at age 60 years or older, vaccine efficacy wanes within the first 5 years after vaccination, and protection beyond 5 years is uncertain; therefore, adults receiving the vaccine before age 60 years might not be protected when their risks for herpes zoster and its complications are highest.

[justtalking]

As I know of people in my area who had the shingles, one case quite intense and frightening, I wanted to see if I could get the vaccine.  My oncologist told me no, my pharmacist said it wasn't safe while I took Gleevic, and the  organization that sends me the Gleevic told me no.  What does a person who has CML do to prevent this?  I do understand that if Shingles is found early enough, there is an antiviral med that is quite good.  I was able to get the flu shot last year and am planning on doing so again.  What about the pnumonia vaccine?

[Dom]

Justtalking, I've had a flu shot twice since diagnosis. Before diagnosis, I always had one day of feeling flu-y, then nothing, it was the same after diagnosis.

As for the pneumonia shot, I got that just last month and I'm fine. The doctor said it is a new kind of shot, and I won't need it again.

I'm getting the same mixed signals that you are about shingles vaccine. I'm going to do whatever my oncologist says.

[dede5]

  I do understand that if Shingles is found early enough, there is an antiviral med that is quite good. 

 

I know no one who has gotten the vaccine, and no one who has shingles.

I had shingles during the second year after CML diagnosis. It flared up right after I had oral surgery, so I had a fresh rx for Vicodin. I took those and the antiviral med you speak of. Right now I cannot remember the name of it, but between those two meds, it was bearable. I still have flare-ups from time to time as well. It itches and stings like crazy. I'm not trying to make it sound like a piece of cake, because it's a miserable experience. I suppose I'm just offering my perspective as a CML patient who had shingles and survived. I haven't had the shingles vaccine and don't plan to get it.

[hannibellemo]

I've been told by my onc that I could get the vaccine for shingles. He said the worst that could happen is that it could trigger a shingles episode although that episode should be lighter and not last as long. He didn't push it one way or the other so I continue to remain on the fence.

[SunNsand]

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) for people aged 60 years and older. Even people who have had herpes zoster should receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.
However, CDC does not recommend routine use of herpes zoster vaccine in people aged 50 through 59 years old. Health care providers considering the herpes zoster vaccine for certain persons aged 50 through 59 years should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their patients. Although the vaccine has short-term efficacy, there have been no long-term studies of vaccine protection in this age group. In adults vaccinated at age 60 years or older, vaccine efficacy wanes within the first 5 years after vaccination, and protection beyond 5 years is uncertain; therefore, adults receiving the vaccine before age 60 years might not be protected when their risks for herpes zoster and its complications are highest.

I spoke to my Dr. last week about the shingles vaccine and she told me they now recommend it for all adults and it lasts a lifetime. It sounded like they came out with a new shot. I've been wanting to get it because my sister has shingles in her eye and she may lose her eye.