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Have any of you had the Shingles vaccine? I'm still debating about it. I'm concerned about insulting my immune system further, as my last flu shot triggered a relapse. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
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I had it just prior to a multi year long increase in MS activity, I certainly wouldn't do it again. At least one MS specialist in my area recommends against it for his MS patients. It is one of the few live vaccines. I would certainly check with your neurologists or local MS center first. -
no large controlled studies to support safety
Froggie, I agree, do your research and talk to knowledgeable sources. It's a personal decision for oneself and children but who better to make an informed decision that you? I think we should consider how the medical community gives out medical advice; generally, it must be proven sound advice and usually involves a cost benefit analysis re risk for vaccine vs risk of illness. The problem is that the MS component hasn't really been studied. Quoting 2010 UMASS Medical Center article link below, "evidence is sparse regarding the risk of MS or MS relapse following immunization with live attenuated viruses, such as varicella, measles, smallpox, yellow fever, polio, BCG, or [flu mist]. Overall there does not appear to be a heightened risk [for inactive or live vaccines], but there are no large controlled studies to support this observation."
The article lists a chart for all vaccines and whether its safe for MS patients on immune suppressants.
http://escholarship.umassmed.edu/cgi...xt=neurol_bull
See also other threads on this forum by chants and ? on traveling and yellow fever vaccine. It sounded like they got yellow fever vaccine after making their own difficult cost benefit analysis.Comment
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Thank you for your input. Suebee, thanks for the link as well as sound advice. I'm leaning towards no, as despite having MS, I'm relatively healthy. Truth be told, I'm a bit paranoid about getting any vaccine these days!Comment
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Shingles vaccine
I didn't reflect to much about shingles when I read this post. Just thought that perhaps I wouldn't get this particular vaccine. So, it was pretty ironic that I now have shingles!
I haven't felt more than the usual stress lately, and I've been off the Tysabri for 4 months now. What I thought was the onset of a blemish, turned out to be shingles! Just one spot so far, and within the time frame for antivirals. I'm hoping that it won't be as severe a case as the tv commercials!😬 Just one more thing that shows just when you think you have a little control of your body....wham!!Comment
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I received the shingles vaccine 2 or 3 years ago with no change to my symptoms, MRI results or lab work. My primary doc recommended it and my neuro, who specializes in MS, saw no reason not to get it.Comment
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I got the shingles shot about 5 years ago. No changes in MS symptoms. Having family members with long-lasting, horribly painful cases of shingles makes a big difference in your attitude towards the shot.Comment
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Shingles vaccine
This is a site that I visit frequently for the latest information. If you read a few paragraphs into the post you'll see their take on administering the current shingles vaccine. Good news is there may be a new vaccine around the corner for those of us that are Zoster positive!
http://multiple-sclerosis-research.blogspot.com/Comment
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Can you have shingles without the rash? I consulted with a spinal surgeon about pain in my back and he said he thought it was shingles pain. He knows I have MS. I have no rash anywhere.Comment
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Wheelchair kamikaze got shingles
Update: I still have pain and no rash and my internist NP said I don't have shingles. But I just caught up with the post by wheelchair kamikaze about his recent experience with shingles, he had awful headache/pain and flu symptoms a few days prior to rash, not a pretty story but may be helpful to you if you find you're MS symptoms take a sudden nose dive with pain....
http://www.wheelchairkamikaze.com/20...t-updated.html
(hope you're feeling better soon Marc)Comment
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