Shingles vaccination over 60? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Skid Row Joe · #1 08-01-2014, 12:43 AM

My primary care doctor suggested/implored me to get a Shingles vaccination for a person in my age group.

Talked to one of my Brothers last week that is many years younger than me, and found out that he had an attack of this while on-the-road working in North Carolina a few years ago. He was/is under extreme pressure not only in his business, but he and his wife have (6) kids in private schools.

My Q is this: I'm not under pressure of any kind, and the odds according to the Doc is 1.5 in 3 aging folks get the Shingle virus or recurrence of same.

I'm not down with most any vaccination, especially after learning the truth about the Salk oral Polio vaccine we Americans took in the early 1960s. The occurrence of cancer because of the Salk vaccination, has underscored just one example of why one should avoid all vaccinations.

Let's face it - we're all going to die of something, why prolong or even help the process health wise by making a bad choice of the unknowns and ramifications of more vaccinations?

Any experience with the Shingles or thoughts about the vaccinations welcome.

P.C. · #2 08-01-2014, 02:34 AM

Painful malady. You should consider following your doctors advice.

Stoney · #3 08-01-2014, 06:09 AM

Wife began pestering me to get the shingles vaccine 2 years ago. Set up an appointment at our MD and got vaccinated. We both had Chicken pox as kids so we are among those most likely to have shingles in the future.

A friend who is "Mister Know It All" and very anti-vaccine, told us we were throwing the money away.

He was hit by Shingles last month and cannot work. His job has given him a leave of absence and he is filing for long term disability but he said one of the questions being asked is ...

Why didn't you take the Shingles Vaccine when it was available to you?

He may not get what he needs to meet his daily needs much less keep his home and trappings of his affluence.

If you had the Chicken Pox you are 50% more likely to have a Shingles Outbreak before 65...it can be fatal by wearing you down to the point that you just want to quit and die.

Mölyapina · #4 08-01-2014, 06:47 AM

My mom had Shingles a while ago, and even though it was caught early, it was still quite painful for a good while. She's not a fan of getting vaccines or medicines that sh cannot need, but says that she will eagerly take the vaccine once she is eligible because she never want to experience Shingles again.

SwampYankee · #5 08-01-2014, 07:20 AM

My aunt got the vaccine two years ago after a couple painful bouts with it. The flare ups kept her from working.

BayouFlyFisher · #6 08-01-2014, 08:38 AM

I had shingles when I was kid. I vividly remember the pain. It was awful! I still have scars on my back, hip and the back of one arm.

My wife and I both are well over 60 and took the vaccine a few years.

Can't Know · #7 08-01-2014, 09:18 AM

After helping my mom through a bout of it many years ago, the vaccine would have to have serious known complications in a significant number of cases for me to say, "no."

And when you consider that it follows nerve pathways and you can actually get it in an eye...well, there aren't many good arguments against the vaccine. Sure, you never know what may potentially develop down the road, but preventative medicine today is much improved over the days of Jonas Salk.

TwitchKitty · #8 08-01-2014, 09:24 AM

You might suffer from the vaccine but if you have an outbreak of shingles you will definitely suffer with it.

I haven't had the vaccine yet but I did have chicken pox as a child and am at risk. I will probably get the vaccine but have been resisting.

pj67coll · #9 08-01-2014, 09:25 AM

My father had shingles in his 50's all across the left side of his face and neck. I'll never forget his screaming in pain so loud the neighbors wondered what was going on. In the end the only relief was from a Tens unit that was hooked up to his arm and face and managed to interrupt the electrical signals from the affected nerves sufficiently that he didn't scream quite so loud. He was off work for almost a month. I'd suggest you get it if you know what's good for you.

- Peter.

Jim B. · #10 08-01-2014, 09:27 AM

My MD has told me to get a Shingles vaccination. From what little I know, it's a very painful malady and the vaccination doesn't guarantee total immunity from it.

Up here I believe it is free actually. I have decided to do it. I dislike pain and discomfort so I think that's one good reason to just endure the shot and consider it as "insurance" against this malady.

The peripheral neuropathy in my feet now is bad enough already, that I am coping with.

TX76513 · #11 08-01-2014, 09:29 AM

Shop around for price, you will find its varies. Kroger (yes Kroger) took whatever insurance offered so it was free (to me).
If you are over 50 you don't need an Rx for it.
I knew someone who had shingles - I don't want any part of it.
I had a slight reaction to the vaccination. (they give it to you on the back side of your upper arm). My arm looked like someone slapped me with a boat oar. It subsided after 24hrs. The pharmacist said that a 1:250 reaction to it but then you know it really took.

.02

elchivito · #12 08-01-2014, 10:01 AM

No worries. Eating ripe bananas will cure the cancer you get from the vaccine. I saw it on Facebook.

I've taken it. No side effects and no shingles. I know a guy who got shingles under his eyelids and in his mouth. Poor bastid was near suicide. No thanks.