I had gotten shingles two years ago in my mid 40’s. I was not instructed to get the vaccine after that.
I noticed it on my stomach and immediately went the same day to the doctor and started treatment before it got worse.
I was under the impression once you get it you can’t get it again. Am I wrong?
Yes, my doc and H’s said you can get shingles more than once. We each had it and both got the shot to reduce chances of getting it again.
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Yes, you are wrong. Once the virus is in your body, it can reactivate. The virus can spread down neural pathways to any skin areas , or in worse cases to eyes.
Know someone who got it twice… the second time was after getting the Zostavax vaccine. The post-Zostavax case was relatively mild, but the mildness (non-specific mild/moderate pain, no rash) resulted in misdiagnosis on the first visit to a physician.
My grandmother got it several times when she was older. It was horrible. 
My doctor says having it grants SOME immunity for a short time. But she said I should get the new vaccine after recovering from this. She also said the new vaccine (which apparently they just got in her office, maybe just this week) is supposed to be much more effective. I’m hoping my insurance company will cover after this bout, but we will see. I will pay if they don’t.
The new vaccine is supposed to confer longer immunity against shingles. I’m all for that!
I had a vaccine a couple of years ago - how often is one supposed to have one?
My best friend got shingles just before Christmas - on her face and in her eye. She is 55 so had not had the vaccine poor thing. Definitely should have made me get one if I hadn’t already. She is in misery and in so much pain (she had a great holiday shingles, asthma flare up, bronchitis that turned into pneumonia, then her dog died )
I had the shingles vaccine at age 50. Insurance refused to pay but I didn’t care. I still feel it was $185 well-spent! I unsuccessfully appealed insurer’s refusal to pay but didn’t extend too much energy.
The new more effective vaccine is called, Shingrix . It has been approved, requires 2 shots. I can’t find out if it is available locally. I will make a few calls next week to pharmacies, and I guess my doctor’s office.
The Shingrix vaccine has recently arrived at the VA and CVS in our state. Ask your MD if it’s right for you and get it while it’s in stock. It needs 2 doses—2nd one a few months after the 1st.
Medicare is paying for it and my private BCBC pays 100%. My folks will have a $30 copay for each injection per CVS.
Here’s a consumer reports article about Shingrix.
https://www.consumerreports.org/shingles-vaccine/new-shingles-vaccine-shingrix-what-you-should-know/
So it is recommended for those who have had Zostavax. My doc said it wasn’t but that was earlier in January. I think I might get it even though the article says Medicare isn’t covering it yet.
Just got Shigrex#1 and the next day I felt horrible flu-like symptoms, they were gone within 24 hours, but choose your timing so that an effects don’t inconvenience you. The pharmacist asked me to call if I felt any reactions at all as they are supposed to report them and since it is a new vaccine, they want to be diligent, then on the phone she told me 88% of people feel that way.
I’m thinking maybe I’ll get it after the flu season is over so I can tell the difference between symptoms/side effects.
I will probably get it this summer.
Medicare D plans may cover it and if you have private insurance it may cover it with some copay. H’s FEHB family plan covered at 100% and my folks Medicare + BCBS plan covered with $30 copay per shot.
So far, we got the shot around noon and are just a bit tired and arm where we got shot is slightly achy.
Was just told we will get a refund of the $30 copay we paid on behalf of my folks. Each was supposed to have it fully covered between Medicare B and their BCBS Rx coverage.
Finally, Shingrix is now available in the Charlotte NC area. I just called my pharmacy and they have had it for a week or 2. I can walk in without a prescription. 2 shots are needed. They say most insurance is covering it 100% but I am skeptical. I guess a reasonable question for me is how much I will pay now with current insurance vs how much I would pay with Medicare which is less than 2 months away. 
We got our shots—me, H and my folks. None of us had any copay. I had called our BCBS and they said 109% coverage. Initially, our pharmacy charged us $60 — $30 copay for mom and same for dad. After I told them insurer said no copay, they refunded us.
We will get our 2nd shot in a few weeks. I am glad we will be better protected because shingles is MISERABLE and I would want to spare anyone that. I would have paid 100% if necessary! Your insurer or pharmacy should be able to quickly let you know whether there is any co-pay and what the copay would be.