New Shingles Vaccine
 

Has anyone gotten (or is getting) the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix?

goblueS2K and I have both gotten the first shot of the two part series.

He was supposed to get the second shot at his doctor's office today. They called last week to remind him of his appointment which was today. However, when he got there, they said they did not have the vaccine for him. (Somebody messed up and didn't check ahead of time and let him know!) As I understand it, there is a widespread shortage of the vaccine. Fortunately, it wasn't too annoying to goblue because the doctor's office is on the way to his work. So, he is on the waiting list, and they said that they will call him when they have a dose of the vaccine ready for him. I have read that priority is supposed to be given to those who have already had the first shot.

I am supposed to get my second dose on Oct 2. I have to go to the doctor's office that day anyway for a blood draw before my upcoming physical on Oct 9, so it won't really be annoying to me if they don't have the Shingrix vaccine for me, other than that I will have to go again another day. However, my doctor moved about 3 years ago, and is practically in our backyard now. I can walk there as it is only 0.1 miles away, so not much trouble at all, especially since I am retired now. :)

I got the vaccine a couple of years ago. Supposedly only given once.

They asked me if I wanted my 2nd one when I was at the doctor's office earlier this summer. I passed on it, since that was the first I ever heard I needed a 2nd. I'll get it one of these days.

No, what's it called?

I got the original one. The new one is a two shot deal and hasn't been out that long. It's supposedly much more effective. I have a check up coming up soon. I'll have to ask. I'd prefer if the doc wrote a script, then I could get the shot at a pharmacy. Easier to do. I'll have to ask at my pharmacy how they work that.

This new one is called Shingrix. It is not the same as the old one, Zostavax.

The new one is supposedly more effective than the old one. I think Shingrix has only been available since about the Fall 2017.

Shingrix is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart from each other.

Here is the CDC info on it:

Shingrix

Here is an article about the differences between Shingrix and Zostavax.

Differences

I'm queued up for the new one.
Haven't made the appt. yet though.

Dave, have you already had the first Shingrix shot or is the one that you already got the old one, Zostavax?

+1 got both doses of Shimgrix. The last one Zostavax was somewhat effective but lost it's potency over time. I did get Zostavax and still got shingles. +1 has had shingles twice, and did have the Zostavax as well. The Shingrix is supposed to be significantly more effective.

The +1 and I got the old shot years ago. We are currently on the waiting list at the pharmacy for the Shingrix.

I also just took the 4 pill oral vaccine for typhoid, for our upcoming trip. It is a live salmonella virus, and I would suggest to anyone needing the vaccine to take the single shot of dead virus. Not effective as long, but less chance of side effects.