Readers question shingles vaccine

April 24, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just took the shingles vaccine at a local drugstore. I filled out papers but nowhere did it mention that anyone who had a history of cancer should not take the vaccine. Please advise.

DEAR DR. GOTT: In your recent column, you said that the shingles vaccine should not be given to former cancer patients. I am in remission from large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I have Wegener’s granulomatosis, which although in remission, is still there. The Wegener’s is the reason that a shingles vaccine is recommended. I will be having CD19 level blood testing before any vaccination, but with my history, should I still have the vaccine?
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Shingles vaccine not right for everyone

March 5, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: There seems to be some confusion about whether or not an older person should take the shingles shot. My husband is over 70 and has been advised that, because he can’t remember having chickenpox (even though he might have been exposed to it), he does not need to take it. In fact, if he takes it, it might even prove harmful.

He has been further advised that there is a simple test his doctor should administer before giving him the shingles shot if he (my husband) is unsure as to whether he ever had chickenpox or not. Please advise. Thank you.
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Uncommon form of shingles needs time

February 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. I’ve been treated with prednisone and antiviral drugs. I ask every doctor I’ve seen, “What can I do to be proactive?” The answer is always, “Nothing, only time.” I understand that, but what can I do to hasten healing? Massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, anything? Each doctor says I can do whatever I want but nothing is going to help. Isn’t there anything I can do?

DEAR READER: Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when the facial nerve to one of the ears becomes infected by the shingles/chickenpox virus.
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