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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Shingles vaccine not a treatment

April 20, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thank you for the letter about the shingles vaccine. I would like to know how it works. Is it like the flu vaccine? I have suffered with shingles for 10 years now. I have asked my doctor for the vaccine, but he said insurance companies wouldn’t pay for it until I am 60. Is it because, as you stated, they have only tested the vaccine on those 60 and older?

I am currently taking Valtrex, and it has stopped the outbreak but not the pain. I am turning 60 this year and want to know if the vaccine will not only help me but might also get me off the Valtrex, because it is so expensive.
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