Prednisone and Zostavax - conflicting info

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi All,  

I am wondering if it is safe for me to have the shingles vaccine. I have been taking prednisone for 2 1/2 years. Currently at 9mg/8mg alternating. 

Thanks,

Diana🌸

2

h scheduled to have theimm shingles vaccine and they cancelled it.  With the pred, I am told, my immunity is down.  My dosage of pred is 19mg.

Tony

3

Hi mrs Mac, as I understand it the shingles vaccine is a live vaccine and we are advised against having live vaccines. I may be wrong so do double check first. However, shingles drugs, that is drugs to take once we have shingles is ok. Regards, tina

4

Thanks Tony,

i think because it is a "live" immunization it can cause an activation of shingles if you're immune system is compromised or if you're on corticosteroids but I read it was only at high doses of prednisone.  That's probably why your Dr. Decided against it.  Since I am at 9/8mg I might be OK but will defer to the pros here on the forum.

Cheers,

Diana🌸

5

Thanks Tina, definitely going to check it out😬.

 

6

Hi Diana,  the answer is "No".  The shingles vaccine is a live vaccine and all live vaccines should be avoided whilst on sterids.

7

It's a live vaccine so really the answer is no. Anyway - it only works for about 40% of people so isn't a 100% answer to shingles in any case. The fact you are on pred would also reduce the chances of your body developing antibodies.

8

If you are taking steroids you should not have a shingles vaccine. Was there any particular reason you wanted one?

9

Thanks to you Ptolemy, Mrs. O and Eileen,

I did read up on it but it referred to higher doses of pred.  I will not be getting the vaccine because I agree with all of you about it being "live" and  the reduced chance my body would develop antibodies.

Since I got PMR my husband is concerned about getting anything that might negatively affect our health.  I also had an Uncle that spent years of his life in bed with excruciating pain from shingles. Guess I shouldn't have told hubby about that one.  He is a self diagnosed hypochondriac, I should have known better😉.

Thanks  again,

Diana🌸

10

Hello, Diana, I certainly am not qualified to know if it is safe, but can tell you what I experienced.  I had my shingles vaccine last fall before being diagnosed with PMR.  I did have a  rare reaction to this shot on my mouth.  Very sore.  It lasted for about a month. Other than that nothing else has happened.  I am reluctant to have a flu vaccination, however.  Never have had one and am 70.  Last December I had pneumonia and was very ill.  That and other things brought on a severe flare of PMR

and I was finally diagnosed with it and started on prednisone! Best wishes with your decision.  Linda

11

I've had PMR for more than 4 years, the last 2 years on Prednizone. I got the shingles shot free from my insurance last year. No issues at all for me, but that shot does hurt a bit.

It would be me to get shingles. Seems like I get everything. So better be safe than sorry.

12

Hi Linda,

thanks for sharing your experience.  I've never had a flu shot because I've always had a pretty good immune system and rarely even got a sniffle.  I do know seniors here in Canada, the cold north😉, are encouraged to have it.  We also have a pneumonia vaccine that many are getting because pneumonia is something that can be very serious as you know.

Take care and stay healthy,

Hugs, Diana🌸

13

Hi Pam,

I'm glad you didn't have any issue with the vaccine.  If I was you and got everything that was going around I'd have one to.😷

Like I said to Pam, I have always been healthy and really didn't/don't like putting more "stuff" in my body than I have to.  I say healthy....  I am on meds for high BP, cholesterol and drops for glaucoma (drops only since being on pred.) but the usual stuff stayed away from me.  

I think the most important thing the Shingles vaccine does is provide protection from the PHN pain which can be really awful.

Hope you stay healthy and pain free.

Hugs,  Diana🌸