Shingles Jab

[riptide]

I have booked myself in for the shingles jab, but do I need it as I have never had chicken pox? I was reading about shingles and apparently if you have had chicken pox when young, in later life the virus that caused the chicken pox can come back causing shingles. I had most of the childhood viruses, but never chicken pox or whooping cough. Should I check with my surgery as I’m not going to have it unnecessarily. Thanks.

[Sqad]

If you are sure that you have never had chicken pox then don't bother with the shingles vaccine because you and get shingles.

[riptide]

Thanks Sqad, I honestly believe I never had it, shame my Mother is not here to confirm. Had Mumps and Measles and German Measles but that was it.

[jennyjoan]

I;m getting it in Sept,Riptide. Are you over 70 - and I did have the worst imaginable Chicken Pox in my 40s.

[pixie374]

The shingles jab is a live weakened chicken pox virus? Does it protect against chicken pox as well, at all?

[Theland]

Mine is delayed because I was taking Prednisolone.
Booked again for next week.

[Sqad]

Pixie......don't know.....shouldn't think so.

[pixie374]

Thanks, sqad x

[roopower]

Information on the sheet I was given suggests having the jab whatever your circumstances except if there is a chance of allergic reaction. Had mine last week.

[riptide]

Trouble is now, of course, on reading, if I’m ever exposed to shingles I could get chicken pox. On recall though my Dad had shingles in his 50’s and I never got chicken pox so perhaps I’m immune. Now, I’m sitting waiting to get through to the Surgery to see if I can get the pneumonia jab instead, takes forever to get through.

[Vagus]

NHS advice is to have the shingles vaccine whether or not you’ve had chicken pox as some/many people have had chicken pox unknowingly and without any symptoms.
NHS also say to have the vaccine even if you’ve had shingles.

[riptide]

Oh well I’ll keep my appointment and talk to the Nurse about it, perhaps she can ask a Doctor. Surely if I am given it and never had chicken pox am I going to react to it.