Shinglesjab

[gazania1234]

Can anyone recommend someone with Parkinsons disease having the shingles jab. Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Obiter]

Never knew you could get a jab against shingles. I had shingles 30 years ago and it was the most debilitating illness I have suffered. Fortunately it only lasted a few weeks, but those weeks seemed like years.

[Sqad]

I presume that you mean if someone has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease should they receive the shingles vaccine if they develop shingles or to prevent shingles.

I don't know and the medical fraternity is divided.

I wouldn't advice it.........but it is your call.

[Sqad]

\\\\\\Another expert, Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that "the shingles vaccine is a little controversial, but as a dermatologist who sees shingles, I can tell you that it can be a very painful, scarring process that goes beyond the skin and lasts beyond the rash."

Currently, the vaccine is recommended for those aged 60 and over. Shingles tends to be more severe and painful in older patients, she noted.

"I recommend that people get the vaccine no matter what their underlying disease state or health," Day added.\\\\


Dr Day disagrees with me.

[boxtops]

The new shingles vaccination programme is currently being offered only to people who are 70 or 78-79 this year - it's intended to roll it out to other age groups in due course http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/shingles-vaccination.aspx

[Sqad]

boxy.....yes! yes! but that wasn't the question.

The OP was if a person has Parkinson's Disease does this preclude them from the vaccine?

[boxtops]

Yes, I know, sqad - but not everyone knows about the age bands.

This is from the Green Book - it's very technical so will no doubt mean more to you than me - does this mention any contraindication for people with Parkinson's? https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/233012/Green_Book_Chapter_28a_v2.pdf

[Sqad]

boxy, no it doesn't......but that is only one opinion albeit from an "aspired body." of scientists. but it is not that black or white.....or green in this case.

[boxtops]

Well - it's the national vaccination bible from Public Health England, sqad, so is the definitive current guidance.

I found this one, too - again, from PHE - it makes no specific mention of Parkinson's https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239892/2013181_Shingles_QA_for_healthcare_professionals_final.pdf

[Sqad]

boxy.......quite.
Well that is you answer then....in your opinion no, Parkinson's Disease does not preclude shingles vaccination.

That was all that was required.

[boxtops]

I'm not qualified to comment, though, and I wouldn't want to make that statement without an evidence base to back me up!

[Sqad]

In fact boxy your second copy is a virtual mirror image of the first.

I still don't agree with them....either.........

[maggiebee]

Why don't you ask your doctor?

[Sqad]

Thank you maggie.......very helpful.....I will.

[maggiebee]

I know squad but..........I'm always amazed at how many people ask medical questions on AB and usually end up with lots of conflicting information. Would they not be better to go to their GP if they are concerned?

[boxtops]

yes maggie, but it can take ages for an appointment, so this is an alternative.

[slaney]

Parkinson's disease is not listed as a contraindication to the shingles vaccine.
The main group of people who can't have it are those who are immunosuppressed, or who have TB or who are pregnant, or who are allergic to neomycin or gelatin - it's a live attenuated vaccine.

Sqad this seems to be the advice given worldwide, not just one group.
What's an "aspired body"? :)

But, as ever, gazania if you have any concerns about the shingles vaccine you should discuss it with your GP as they know more about your medical condition.

[Sqad]

maggie.......they probably have been to their GP, but want other people's advice and opinions especially in areas where their problem answers are not cut and dried. In other words , a matter of medical opinion.

The bottom line is, that ABers will pick the answers that they are looking for and often ignore all the advice........it's their choice.

[slaney]

My computer is running so slowly - none of the four above answers were there when I wrote that...

[slaney]

Also Sqad forgot to say - "medical opinion is divided" - can you point me in the direction of those who think that shingles vaccine is not a good idea in Parkinson's disease, as I can't find any reference to it.

[Sqad]

slaney......yes! yes! i agree that Parkinson's Disease is not on the list of contraindications, but my interpretation of the OP was....would I recommend giving the vaccine to a patient with Parkinson's Disease.

My answer was that i would not recommend it, but pointed out that many would.

There have been reports of the vaccine exacerbating the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and trials are ongoing. These symptoms may or may not be temporary.

\\\\What's an "aspired body"? :)\\\

I was struggling for the word....not doing crosswords....perhaps this may come to you sometime!